How To: Fix a Leaking Roof

The roof may be your home’s most important feature, and leaks are probably the first sign of trouble you notice. The best way to prevent a leaking roof is to catch it as early as possible. Even a small leak in the attic space can cause water damage and serious problems later on. A leaky roof can also increase your energy bills because of the additional humidity required to keep the inside of your house at a comfortable temperature. You can address a leaky roof in many ways, but each has its downsides. Read on to know which repair option is best for your situation.

Repairing a Flashing Problem

Deteriorated or missing flashing is the most common roof leak culprit. Flashing is the metal or plastic that connects your roof parts and helps prevent water from getting inside your house. Flashing can deteriorate over time and sometimes is improperly installed, to begin with. Exposed flashing is a major source of roof leaks and is often mistaken for a roof leak. It’s important to determine if it is just flashing.

  • Determine the flashing that is bad or missing. Identify the problem area and look for the flashing type on your roofing material.
  • Replace or repair the bad flashing. Replace if it has deteriorated beyond repair, and repair if the damage is minor.

Determining the Cause of a Roof Leak

If you’ve already determined that you have a leak in your roof and have patched the problem area, you may still want to find out what caused the leak in the first place. Finding the cause can help prevent future leaks or avoid hiring a contractor who won’t properly address your roof’s issues.

  • Check your roofing material. Roofing materials are rated for a certain life span and are susceptible to UV damage, wind damage, and wear and tear. A shingle that looks intact could be dying inside, or a portion of your roof might have been built with inferior material.
  • Check the flashing. Bad flashing is the number one reason for roof leaks. It’s important to look not just for bad flashing but also for any missing flashing. There should be flashing along the bottom edge of every roof section, especially if there is a knee wall.
  • Check the gutters and downspouts. If they are clogged, it can cause your roof to leak.

Installing New Roofing Material

  • Materials – Many different roofing materials are available. Find out how old your roof is and what it is made of before deciding what to install.
  • Installer – Get at least three quotes before paying for new roofing so you know the price range. You also want to ensure the contractor is properly licensed and has all the necessary insurance.
  • Financing – If you don’t have the cash on hand to pay for a new roof, you can look into financing options.

Conclusion

A leaking roof can be a major headache, but taking care of it as soon as possible is important to avoid causing major damage. Some of the best ways to prevent a roof leak are ensuring your roof is properly maintained, uses high-quality roofing materials, and has proper flashing installed. If you have a severe roof leak, the best way to fix it is by finding the best roofing contractor. We recommend the guys at Roofer of New Britain. They are a top roofing contractor and will be able to properly assess your roof and make the necessary repairs.

Roofer of New Britain

Address: 237 Washington St, New Britain, CT 06051, United States

Phone Number: +18608544792

Website: https://roofingcontractor-newbritainct.com/