Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Roof Leaking?

Do you think you have a roof leak? The source of most roof leaks is quite hard to find because it originates away from where the leak shows up. In order to find the source of a leak, follow a roofer’s advice and “think like water.”

Water typically comes in through worn, broken, or missing shingles; where nails have worked loose; or through corroded or poorly sealed roof flashing around vents, skylights, or chimneys or along the intersections of roof planes.

Do you see water stains that extend across your ceilings or run down walls? If so, the cause is probably a roof leak. Fred Oakley Construction has experience in roof leaks and can help find the culprit in your house!

It is important to remember minor leaks can cause major damage!

If you have a roof leak, you need to fix it or have it fix ASAP! No matter if it's "bothering" you or not, it needs to be fixed! Even over a short time, small leaks can lead to big problems, such as mold, rotted framing and sheathing, destroyed insulation and damaged ceilings. Are you thinking, "Oh no big deal. I'm planning on getting a new roof next year?"... don't! Get it fixed now!

When you’re trying to track down a leak, start by looking at the roof uphill from the stains. The first thing to look for are roof penetrations. Items that penetrate the roof are the most common source of leaks. In fact, it’s rare for leaks to develop in open areas of uninterrupted shingles, even on older roofs. Penetrations can include plumbing and roof vents, chimneys, dormers or anything else that projects through the roof. They can be several feet above the leak or to the right or left of it.

If you have attic access, the easiest way to track down a leak is to go up there with a flashlight and look for the evidence. There will be water stains, black marks or mold. But if access is a problem or you have a vaulted ceiling, you’ll have to go up onto the roof and examine the problem.

If the problem still isn’t obvious, we suggest you hire a professional like Fred Oakley Construction to inspect the problem for you! Going up on the roof alone is dangerous and never recommended.

Fred Oakley received a drafting degree in 1979 and has been involved in construction and Home Improvements ever since. You can trust him and his team to get the job done right! Give him a call today at 615-975-8916.

Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and savings!

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