Roofs are the most essential parts of the envelope of any building and also the most vulnerable. This vulnerability comes from their constant exposure to constant sunshine, fluctuation in temperatures, rain, snow, hail or even strong winds that act to uplift the roof. All this leads to extreme stresses on the roof and its various components and can lead to their getting damaged over a period of time. An average roof can last for anything up to 15 to 30 years, and the longer periods are more associated with the the care and maintenance that the roof is given.
Buildings themselves can last for much longer periods, and this means that roofs will require to be replaced at least once during the lifetime of a structure. Repairs are a part of maintenance and it is only when it becomes very frequent and costly, that the need arises for a replacement of the roof. The most common of roof repairs is required due to leakage and this can come about when shingles or other covering of roofs are damaged, have worked loose, or are missing. Other repairs that roofs may require is attention to the flashing, gutters, down takes, and its other components.
Most leakages in a roof come to attention when you find water stains in ceilings or walls from inside the house or property. Tracking down the point from where the leakage occurs is not simple, as the point where the leak appears in a building, many actually be far away from where the water is actually entering the roof. The most common area where leaks in roofs occur is at points where the roof is penetrated by vents, chimneys, skylights or others. Leaks rarely develop in large areas that are covered by shingles or tiles, and where they do, the defect will be immediately apparent by raised shingles, or ones with tears in them. This point of leakages carries the water to the underside of the roofing material, where it still has to contend with the supporting coverings, plywood backing and others, and the water may then travel to other parts until it finds a weak point in the ceiling, from where it will penetrate it. Roof leaking can also cause stains on roofs that indicate the presence of moisture leading to the formation of black marks or mold.
You can isolate various areas of the roof, run water on them, and see which area is adding to the drips of water in the home. That area must then be identified for a detailed examination that will indicate where the roof needs repair. A roof will last longer if its regularly inspected and maintained at least once or twice a year, and any minor defects taken care of immediately. Repairs to flashings and gutters are simpler and will be obvious, and need equal importance and attention.
It is always possible to effect the roof repair for leaks by using roof cement or caulking material, but this does not really address the mechanical failure that has occurred and will remain a constant spot that is vulnerable to leaks. If you are looking for a roofer for your roof leaking repair, feel free to follow us.