A roof leak is something you should always take seriously, as it can result in water damage to your ceiling and walls and can invite damaging mold into your home as well. Water damage can be expensive to deal with, which is why if you notice a roof leak, you are going to want to fix it right away. To fix it, you have to identify where it is coming from, which can be more challenging than it seems.
1. Skylights
A skylight can be a great way to add natural light to your space. However, a skylight can also let in moisture and rain if they are not properly sealed to your roof. If you have a skylight, you will want to check the seal between it and your roof at least once a year and ensure that it is tight. If it is not, you will want to get a roofing professional to apply caulking and strengthen the seal to keep the water out.
2. Chimney
If you have a chimney, you need to ensure that the area where it connects with your roof is well-sealed and designed to move water away from the structure. Water often pools up around chimneys and makes its way through gaps in the caulking. This is why you will want to have professional a roofing service check the flashing around your chimney yearly to save you from chimney-related water leaks.
3. Mounting Holes
If you used to have an antenna or satellite dish up on your roof, be sure to fill in the mounting holes. Old mounting holes that were not properly filled in when the satellite dish or antenna was removed from your roof provide a direct pathway for water to get beyond the surface and into your home.
4. Flashing
Flashing is the thin metal that is used on all transition points on your roof. It is often used around things that protrude from your roof, as well as areas where the roofing meets up against a wall. This thin metal can become damaged and corroded over time, and it can become loose. Both of these situations could lead to a leak.
5. Roof Vents
You are going to have a range of plumbing and exhaust vents on your roof. They have rubber boots around the base to create a tight seal. If the rubber boot cracks around the base, that can allow water to get into your home.
If you have a roof leak, don't delay; instead, call a professional residential roofing service right away to come out and repair the leak. Leaving a leak alone can result in additional water damage, which can end up costing you even more money. It's best to act quickly when addressing a water leak.
Contact a residential roofing service for more information.