“If you run from a leaking roof, you’ll end up with a flood.”
We’re pretty sure this presidential quote was metaphorical, but it remains surprisingly true for Salt Lake City homeowners. Yes, a possible leak in the roof is definitely not one of those things you want to put off until tomorrow.
But how do you know when to call in the professionals or when you can save a few dollars and perform a little DIY roof repair?
We’ve got the answers for you right here.
Common Causes of a Leaking Roof
There are many different causes of roof problems; some are easy to fix, and some not so much. These include:
- Cracks or holes in the shingles caused by hail or falling tree branches
- Ice dams
- Animals
- Clogged gutters
- Damaged flashing from high winds
- Plant growth on or near the roof
Often, roof damage remains undetected for months or years and can slowly cause many other costly problems.
When to Call a Professional
We recommend checking your roof regularly for damage and performing routine maintenance to keep it in the best shape possible. This is especially important if you live in areas with extreme weather conditions. If you spot a problem that requires more than a quick fix, then it’s time to chat with the pros.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a piece of metal or plastic that’s installed over the roofline to prevent water from getting into the building. You can usually identify a flashing by its black, reflective coating, though some newer ones are made of stainless steel.
When it comes to leaks, one common cause is a missing shingle or damaged flashing. If you have missing shingles, they can create holes in your roof and let water seep in. If your flashings are damaged or missing (which may happen if they’re bent), they can’t protect your home and lead to leaks.
If your flashing is compromised, you’re going to have water inside your home as soon as the next storm hits. This needs immediate attention.
Ice Dams
If you find ice damming on your roof, you should call a professional immediately.
Ice damming is usually caused by snow and ice collecting in the gutter and stopping water from flowing down to where it needs to go. This can cause damage to the roof, the gutters, and even your fascia. If you don’t take care of it quickly enough, it could lead to a leaky roof in springtime.
To prevent this from happening, clear all snow off your gutters and downspouts during winter months and call in a specialist as soon as possible to check the soundness of your roof.
Moss and Mildew
You should always call a professional if you find any kind of moss on your roof.
While most roofers will tell you that moss is nothing to be concerned about, it’s important to know the difference between an average amount of moss and an excessive amount.
Moss can grow on your roof when there are leaks in your home or if moisture gets trapped around pipes and vents. This leads to pools of water forming inside and outside of your home, which can cause mold growth and mildew.
If you see any moss growing on your roof, call a professional immediately so they can take care of it before it gets out of hand.
Broken Gutters
A leaking roof can be caused by a problem with the gutters. They can become clogged with leaves and other debris, which causes water to build up on your roof.
Gutters can also be damaged by falling branches or hail, animals scratching at them, or even ice dams.
Regularly cleaning your gutters and downpipes goes a long way toward preventing this issue. However, if your guttering is damaged and causing damp areas in the roof, then it’s time to get serious. You need professional help.
Water Stains
If you see growing water stains or new peeling paint, it could mean that there is a roof leak, and you should call a professional for an inspection. If the water stains are growing, it’s a sign that the leak is getting worse and needs attention before any further damage occurs.
Water stains can also mean some kind of problem with your foundation or siding. You’ll want to look into both options when calling for an inspection.
Peeling paint should always be treated seriously because it can indicate a serious problem on your roof. If the paint is peeling, especially if large swaths are flaking off or coming away in strips instead of just spots here and there, then you should call in someone who knows what they’re doing.
Cracked Shingles
If water has been dripping through your ceiling onto walls or floors below them, this may mean that delaminating has occurred in your shingles. This is a condition where layers of asphalt start peeling off one another.
This damage can often lead to rotting wood beams beneath your shingles, which will likely not hold up under heavy rain. In these cases, you’ll want to call in an expert before structural repairs become necessary.
Your Home Is Your Fortress
By now, we’re sure that you know that a leaking roof is a project for today and not something to ignore. Much like a sore tooth, it will never get better on its own.
Ultimately, the best thing to do if you see any kind of water stain or discoloration on your ceiling, or suspect damage to your roof, is to call a roofing company as soon as possible. This will help prevent further damage, which can add up to far more than a simple roof repair.
When looking for a professional in Salt Lake City, be sure to check that they are OHSA compliant, well-trained and certified. Check out online reviews and ask for references too. You don’t want to place your home in the hands of an amateur!
Our skilled team are experienced roofers who can be trusted to keep you warm and dry. Contact us today for an estimate.