The roof is the first line of defense against the weather for your home. Over time, roofs are subject to leaks, particularly due to the diverse and harsh weather we experience in Salt Lake City. A small leak on the roof left unattended will expand and become a much bigger issue. An unattended leaking roof will deteriorate your roof decking allowing more and more water to enter your home over time. Unattended roof leaks cause major damage to the interior of your home and can lead to mold and other health hazards. Unattended roof leaks will also drastically increase the cost of roofing repairs or a roof replacement. In addition, a roof leak repair is not easy; you need the right equipment, knowledge, and experience.
That’s why it is important to have professionals take care of any leaks on your roof. A professional roofer has the knowledge, tools, and expertise to accurately assess the condition of the roof and effectively perform the necessary repairs to the leaks. A roof leak repair from professionals can ensure that your roof is in its best condition, giving you peace of mind knowing that your home is protected and has a functional roofing system.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks
Leaks are among the most common roof problems and they require immediate attention. Identifying what is causing the leak is the first step in determining the best way to effectively repair a roof leak. Here are the common causes of roof leaks so you can have a better idea of how to properly address a leaking roof.
Old Age
One of the most common reasons for a leaky roof is that the roofing components are beyond their prime. The majority of roofing systems are made to survive for many years, however, their level of protection deteriorates over time and they will become more vulnerable to water infiltration. If you have an old roof, it may start to give out and leak.
Missing Shingles
Leaks are very common when a shingle is missing. If your roof has any seams that are exposed to the weather, water may leak through them. The most frequent causes of missing shingles include high winds and tree limbs scraping the roof in the windThe most common reason for missing shingles is the incorrect installation. Shingles installed in cold temperatures or with the wrong length or type of fasteners will make shingles more prone to coming off the roof and creating leaks..
Clogged Gutters
Gutters are designed to collect rainwater from your roof and transport it away from your property. When gutters are clogged with leaves, branches, and debris or ice, the rainwater can’t flow properly and will begin to pool, and instead of being transported away from your house, the water gets backed up onto the roof. As a result, the roof may get overloaded with water, which could result in leaks and other issues.
The water may leak into your attic, but if it is not repaired right away, that attic leak could turn into a ceiling leak and cause more issues. Leaks caused by clogged gutters could begin as small stains or leaks but can easily develop into larger leaks and larger problems.
Cracked Flashings
Roof flashing is made out of metal pieces that stop roofs from leaking water, and they are put in place in leak-prone areas of roofs. However, broken, degraded, or cracked flashing can cause significant leaks.
Corrosion and old age are two major causes of cracked flashings. Flashing is prone to cracking with time as your home settles, which is a hint that its integrity might not be as strong as it once was. If your flashing is old or cracking, make sure to replace it promptly to avoid leaks.
Incorrectly Placed Fasteners
Improperly placed roofing nails are another common cause of roof leaks. An incorrectly placed fastener provides a direct path for leaks and water infiltration; rainwater can seep into the holes where nails and screws are placed. This issue can be particularly problematic just after winter because nails may frost over in the cold and drip melted ice into the roof as the weather warms.
Other Common Causes of Roof Leaks
- Incorrectly installed roof valleys
- Damaged roof vents
- Worn chimney caps
- Punctures on roof
- Damaged or degraded underlayment
Steps To Repair a Leaking Roof
As homeowners, it is your responsibility to fix roof leaks to ensure that your home is protected and avoid further problems. If you are one of the many people that wonders “my roof is leaking, what should I do?”, the best way to fix a leaking roof is to contact a professional. In case of emergency, there are things you can do to temporarily fix the leaking roof until the professionals can arrive.
One of the most important things to do is to determine the source of the leaks. Our list of the common causes of roof leaks can make it easier for you to trace the leak and identify the problem. Then, follow these three steps to fix the roof as a remedy while waiting for the professionals.
1. Cover the Leak With a Tarp or Plastic Sheeting
If you’ve found a leak in your roof and you know where it’s coming from, cover it with a tarp or plastic sheeting to minimize the leaking inside your home. The plastic sheeting should be at least large enough to cover the leaking area. Tarps are easily accessible at nearby retail stores, but heavy-duty plastic sheeting is the best option — the thicker your tarp, the better.
Place your tarps on top of the damaged area. Make sure they are completely enclosed and secured without any sagging or gaps. Make sure that there is enough overlap to prevent water from getting underneath and leaking. This will temporarily stop the leaking into your house until the professionals can properly address the issue.
2. Use Roofing Cement or Sealant To Stop the Leak
Roofing cement is a robust substance that is typically made with asphalt and used to temporarily repair holes, leaks, and other problems in roofs. If you don’t have roofing cement on hand, a sealant will do. After you locate the leak and identify its source, apply roofing cement or sealant to the area.
Doing so is an efficient approach to temporarily stop the leak and prevent water from flowing into your house. Later on, your professional roof repair company will remove the seal and fix the roof permanently.
3. Clear Debris From Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are one of the major causes of roof leaks. Even if you have tracked a leak and determined it is not from the gutter, it is still best to clear debris from gutters and downspouts since it causes water to pool and will be the source of leaks.
Clear debris from gutters and the area around the downspout by using a gutter scoop or a trowel, especially to take out compacted dirt. The extra debris can then be cleared away using a garden hose nozzle or a gutter cleaning attachment while spraying in the direction of the downspout. By doing this, you can prevent leaking as well as make sure that your gutters and downspouts are in good working order.
When To Hire a Professional Roof Repair Service
It is always recommended to hire a professional roof repair service the moment you notice there’s a leak on your roof. Sometimes, particularly in emergencies, you have to repair the roof; and our tips can be very helpful. However, once you have completed your DIY repair, you should contact a professional to fix the roof permanently.
DIY roof repair involves a significant risk; it is dangerous, so you should take proper security and safety precautions. Also, you’ll need the appropriate tools and in-depth knowledge of how to repair the issue appropriately. When repairing a roof on your own, you run the danger of doing low-quality work that leads to more issues later. The roof may deteriorate more quickly if the repair is done incorrectly, especially if you use the wrong materials.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Roofing Contractor
Hiring a professional roofing contractor is always the best option to repair a roof. They can accurately repair a leaking roof in the safest and most effective way possible.
- Experienced: Roofing professionals can fix leaks effectively and safely since they are experienced in a wide range of roof types and damages. Their expertise will guarantee that the repair will be done right the first time.
- Knowledgeable: Professionals know how to address leaks right away. They know how to accurately assess the problem, use the right materials, and perform the necessary repairs to ensure your roof is in great condition.
- Fully equipped: Roofing contractors have the right tools and equipment to ensure all your roofing needs are met. They are also fully equipped with all the necessary tools and safety equipment to safely perform the leak repair.
- Warranty protection: The projects of a professional roofing contractor are covered with a warranty, giving you the peace of mind of knowing that you can expect long-lasting results.
How To Choose the Right Roofing Contractor
Given how vital a roof is and how important it is for it to be in the best condition possible, you should choose the right roofing contractor to take care of your roof. In addition to selecting a contractor who can fix your leaky roof, make sure they can also meet your needs.
Here are the key things you should look for in a contractor when finding one to repair your roof:
- Number of years in the business
- License, warranty, and insurance
- Successful past projects
- Qualifications
- Training and certifications
- Reasonable pricing
- Positive references
Roof Leak Repair Cost
The cost of roof repair leaks normally depends on what types of repairs are needed and how much damage has been done. According to Forbes, roof leak repair costs can run anywhere from $150 to $400 for minor repairs and up to $7,000 for major repairs. The price is commonly impacted by factors such as the extent of damage, the type of materials, and how much labor is needed.
Roof repairs can be pricey; however, homeowners can save money on roof repair by being proactive with maintenance and repair. If there is a leak, it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and expenses
Contact Us Today for Roof Repair Services
The roof is the most important part of the home and any leaks should be addressed right away to avoid further damage. The common causes of leaks are old age, missing shingles, clogged gutters, and cracked flashings. Knowing these common causes can help you easily determine the best course of action. There are effective tips on how to prevent further leaking, such as by sealing the leak with roofing cement or covering it with a thick tarp. However, the best solution is to have professionals check on your roof and repair the leaks.
Professionals are qualified experts in repairing roof damages, especially leaks. Choose a roofing contractor that is reliable and capable not only to fix the leak but also to meet your needs. Master Roofing is a top-ranked roofing contractor in Salt Lake and Utah Counties. We offer high-quality roof leak repair services at affordable prices.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you fix your roof and ensure that it is in its best condition — protecting you and your family.
