My roof is leaking, what should I do?! Leaks are very intimidating and usually come by surprise. They also lead to many other questions such as: how much will everything cost to repair, what else got damaged, and how bad is the leak? Thankfully the repair process shouldn’t be too complicated! We have a repair team ready to handle your problem - Check out our REPAIRS page! You can also check out our Roanoke page here as well!
What do I do if my roof is leaking?
Whenever you notice a leak in your house, you should get it repaired as soon as possible because even small leaks can cause significant damage. If there are any internal signs of a leak, schedule an inspector to come out and survey the roof and damage. If you notice a leak during the middle of a storm, a contractor won’t be able to start any repairs until after the storm is over.
Our Roanoke Cenvar office offers a tarping service where we can come out and put a tarp on your roof over the leak. If you do not feel safe going on your roof, and want to protect your house from more water damage, give us a call! The tarp will need to be nailed down in order to protect your house from the rain, so these shingles will be replaced during your repair.
You will also want to grab a bucket or trash can to place under any leaks you find inside your house. If the water has already created a bulge in your ceiling, grab a tarp and a bucket to drain the bulge. This will relieve the pressure that was building up in your ceiling. It is crucial to act fast whenever you notice a leak inside your home to prevent it from spreading.
What does a roof leak look like?
Staining on your ceiling is usually the first sign of a water leak. If you check your attic routinely, you may be able to catch the leak before it stains the ceiling.
If you have exposed roof rafters in the attic, grab a flashlight and check for any discoloration or mold. You have found a leak if you see any wood that is darker in color or that is wet to the touch.
Make sure you check your attic often to catch any problems before they cause more damage. The amount of damage in your house will depend on how long the leak has been there and how big the leak is.
How do you find a leak if you don’t have an attic? Unless you see stains on your ceiling, you will have to inspect your roof’s exterior to find the source of a leak. Most of the time, this leads to hiring a professional to inspect your roof. Leaks come from anywhere the roof is exposed.
Exposure can come from any cracked or missing shingles, any damage to the flashing around the chimney, or any damage to the sealing around pipes in your roof. Water can also come into your house from peeling, rotting, or broken shingles.
My roof is leaking. Can it be repaired?
Many common issues with roof leaks can be easily repaired. However, this will depend on how long the leak has been causing damage. The age of your roof will also impact if a replacement is more beneficial. If your roof is older than 15 years, you may want to look into getting a replacement as it is likely to have other problems soon. You will also want to check your gutters routinely.
If gutters get clogged or cracked, water can cause roof and foundation damage. Make sure to clear any clogs to allow water to run through your gutters and out your downspouts away from your house. After checking the damage, a professional contractor can give you more advice and information on your roof. There are also some DIY videos online and roofing supplies available that can help you fix roof leaks. If you try to fix an internal roof leak with store-bought sealers, be aware that these are created for temporary relief and not long-term use. If you decide to fix a leak yourself, make sure you aren’t covering up any internal damage that can be under your roof.
This can cause more significant problems as internal water damage can lead to structural issues in your house. Make sure you get a professional opinion first so that you are aware of all the damage that needs to be repaired.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking roof?
The national average cost for repairing a minor leak in your asphalt roof is between $400 - $1000. These repairs include patching or shingle replacement, but the cost will vary based on the material used and the scale of the repair. Metal roofs are more expensive to repair, but they are made to be more durable. If installed correctly, metal roofs can withstand rain and snowstorms better than shingles.
Our Cenvar team in Roanoke, Virginia, offers a roof tune-up service! Getting your roof checked every 3-5 years will catch any problems and help your roof last longer. Our roof tune-up team will check the caulking around your counter flashing, pipe boots, and nail pops. They will also check your power fan, if it is easily accessible, to make sure it is running correctly and clear any debris off your roof.
While it is important to get your roof checked professionally, the National Roofing Contractor Association recommends personally checking your roof twice a year to help spot any problems. Check out these heavy-duty access doors if you're looking for an access panel for any surface. If you would like more information on repair options or want to get a roof inspection, schedule a FREE ESTIMATE today, and we would love to come out and help you!
