Roof Leaking? A Step By Step Guide For Mesa Homeowners
Is your roof leaking whenever the rain hits?
Do you need or want to get a new roof to avoid the leaking and the damages that come with it?
If you live in Mesa, you’re likely used to the unique weather of Arizona.
Proper preparation is crucial, especially when the rainy and wintry season is afoot.
Keep reading to learn what you need to do to determine and fix the issues in a leaking roof.
What Causes Leaking in Roofs?
It’s not easy to find the root causes of roof leaks.
There are a variety of problems that can cause a leaking roof.
It’s the reason why you need to know first the different reasons behind your roof leaking.
A damaged exterior is one cause of roof leaks.
Heavy rains and high winds can cause tiles or shingles to break or come loose.
If you have a chimney or skylights, you may also find damages near these parts.
Damage to the flashing or the metal sheeting to seal roof transitions is also a cause of leaking.
Often, when flashing damage occurs, it means they slipped out of place.
Another explanation is that the caulking dried out and cracked, which allows water to enter.
Damage to the soffit, fascia, and roof vent are also possible reasons behind a roof leak.
Sometimes, it’s not an external factor that caused the damage.
Your roof may be old and its materials have deteriorated.
More possible causes of roof leaks are plumbing issues.
Depending on the design of your house, your ceilings may also have pipes running through them.
When these pipes don’t get installed right or if they get damaged, they can cause leaks in your ceiling and roof.
How to Determine the Cause of Your Roof Leak
Now, you know the causes behind a roof leaking.
The question is, how do you know which issue you’re dealing with?
For most of these issues, the best way to check for the cause behind a roof leak is actual inspection.
Here are different ways to determine the root of a roof leak.
To check for exterior damage, you only need to make a visual inspection.
Look at the shingles or tiles on your roof and see if they are missing or broken.
You can also find evidence of this if you find fallen tiles or shingles around your home.
When you check for flashing damage, you need to take a closer look.
Check the flashing at the base of your chimney and near skylights.
These are the most common areas where leaks from flashing damage come through.
You won’t always know right away if your soffit or fascia has any damage.
It can take time before small holes and leaks show.
Sometimes, small animals may even make it their homes, which can exaggerate the problem.
If you bought the house, learn how old it is and how old the roof is.
Sometimes, the house can be much older than the roof, especially after a roof replacement.
Today’s typical roofs can last for 20 years, but other factors can hasten their deterioration.
How to Find a Roof Leak
If your goal is to find the source of the leakage, you need to take a powerful flashlight.
Start inside the house, at the spot where the water is leaking through.
You’re going to track the water’s path back from where it’s leaking out to the source of the leak.
As you work your way up, look for marks of water damage.
Don’t forget to inspect your chimneys, vents, plumbing, dormers, and anything else that goes through the roof.
If you have an attic, be careful not to step onto the insulation or the top side of the ceiling.
Walk only on the support beams in the attic.
Next, turn off the flashlight. Look around for any sunlight that enters the space.
Once you find the source, check for other areas where water could have leaked through.
Another way to check for roof leaks is to spray the roof with water on a dry day.
Ask another person to help you with this task.
The person outside will spray the roof with water using a nozzle hand sprayer.
The person inside will wait in the attic with a flashlight and a bucket.
Start spraying on the roof’s tiles at the bottom, going up until the water leak appears in the attic.
Once you find the hole, mark the spot by pushing a nail through it.
The person on the other side should see the nail protrude through the roof from inside.
Solutions for Roof Leaking
Once you find your hole and determine the cause of the leak, the next step is to repair the roof.
If you know about roof repairs, then it’s safe to DIY the task.
However, the safest way to fix a leaking roof is to hire roof contractors.
Roof repair services won’t only fix your roof.
They can also confirm the source of the leak and what caused it.
Local Mesa roof contractors also understand the climate best and can take the proper steps to prepare your roof for the unique weather.
Of all the residents in Arizona, 64.6% live in homes they own.
If the house or apartment you live in isn’t your property, have the apartment manager get repair services.
Don’t wait for your home to get damaged before you take action.
They can also check the general condition of your roof.
They will give recommendations, like roof renovations or roof replacements.
Even if you’re on a budget, finding the right roof contractor can help you save more in the long term.
Keep Your Roof in Tiptop Shape
A leaky roof is a slippery slope that will only lead to further damages to your home.
Use these solutions for roof leaking to prevent conditions from getting worse today!
Looking for a reliable and high-quality affordable roof contractor in Mesa?
Contact us today to learn about our services. We also provide roof service to nearby areas, like Phoenix and Scottsdale.
If you’re looking for a trusted and experienced roofing company in Arizona, contact the experts at AZ Roofing Works for a Free Roofing Estimate today! Call (602) 283-3383!
