What Should You Do When Your Roof is Leaking?

Either way, most leaks are minor and can be fixed inexpensively. But if you live in a humid location, or your roof is old or poorly installed, those minor leaks can add up fast.

When your roof is leaking, the consequences can be catastrophic. You could have mold growing in your attic, significant water damage to your living space, or structural damage to your home.

The sooner you catch the problem, the less expensive it will be to fix. Here are some tips you should consider.

Check for Obvious Sources

The first thing you should do if you notice a leak is to check for obvious sources of the problem. For example, if the roof is damaged or the gutters or downspouts are blocked, you may not even realize the problem. But even minor problems like a loose tile or a damaged flashing can lead to serious leaks.

Also, if you are experiencing a constant drip, this will likely be a small leak. A constant drip indicates a nearby leak, usually in the attic. You can use a flashlight to look up in the attic and look for any signs of damage, such as missing shingles or water damage.

• Move any furniture that’s water-resistant outside

  If you have any water-resistant or water-stop furniture, such as sofas or chairs, you should move them outside. You don’t want them absorbing the water and causing damage to your living space.

  Next, move any water-resistant accessories such as lamps and plants outside. You don’t want them getting ruined by the water. You may also want to take down any mirrors and art pieces that are water-resistant. Anything that is made of glass or plastic should be moved outside as well.

roof repair kitgutter cleaning tools

      some roof fixing ideas to consider      

Seal Cracks and Crevices with Caulk or Rubber Sealant

You should seal cracks and crevices with caulk or rubber sealant. This will help stop larger leaks caused by large gaps in the roof or help stop the smaller leaks caused by splashes of water.

• Repair or replace deteriorated shingles

  If you have damaged shingles, you should repair the damage. This can be as simple as replacing one shingle with another or as complex as completely replacing the entire roof. You want to replace the damaged shingles before they start to rot, as you don’t want rot-caused problems such as mold and structural damage.

  You should also inspect your roof for any signs of damage, such as loose shingles or missing or damaged flashing. Damaged flashing should be replaced, as this will help to stop the water from damaging your house or shingles.

  For example, if you happen to live in the Richmond VA area, contact professionals who specialize in roof repair in Richmond VA to come out and help you.

Check Your Gutters and Downspouts

You should also check your gutters and downspouts for any signs of damage, such as breakage or blockage. You should also inspect the pipes themselves to make sure they aren’t cracked or leaking.

If you notice any damage to your pipes, or you have any suspicion that your water is leaking from your pipes, you should have them fixed right away. You should also check your downspouts for damage.

Downspouts should be long enough to prevent them from damaging your house but short enough to prevent them from excessively wetting everything outside your house.

Install a Rain Gauge to Track Rainfall and Roof Leaks

A rain gauge can help you identify the rate at which your roof is leaking. You can use this information to plan your repairs or to determine if you need to stop using the water in your gutters.

other related articles of interest:

Leak Be Gone: 5 Tips to Repairing a Leaky Roof

Important Tips for a Leak Proof Roof

A rain gauge can also help you identify the cause of a leak. If your leak rate is consistent, but you don’t have obvious damage to the shingles, then the leak may be coming from below. This could be from a cracked pipe or a damaged foundation.

When your roof is leaking, it can be a serious problem. You may have a leak that’s causing damage to your living space, or it could be a major leak that’s damaging your entire roof.

Either way, it’s important to address the problem as soon as you notice it. Keep in mind that most roof leaks are caused by small problems.

So the best thing you can do is to check for obvious causes.

Image credit: what should you do when your roof is leaking by envato.com

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