Having problems with your roof doesn’t necessarily mean you require a full replacement. In most cases, problems are minor and can be dealt with by either yourself, or a contractor who can get the job done quickly and for a nominal fee.
Most people panic at the first sign of damage assuming the worst. And while taking care of your main investment is a priority, rolling up your sleeves may be the easiest and most responsible first step.
Obvious Signs of Leakage
Leaks are a major problem, but can be dealt with easily in certain circumstances. In some cases, flashing that was installed incorrectly causes leaks to occur.
This can be dealt with by a re-installation in the offending area where the membrane is terminated or interrupted. As well, seams must be secure, so the first place to look is there. But even before that, it’s important to discover the source of the leak.
What to Do When Water Ponding Occurs
If a roof is not sloped properly or there are pits and holes in the roofing surface, water can collect and cause damage. Adding tapered insulation or crickets during installation would prevent this. If this is occurring afterwards, it may be due to improperly placed HVAC units.
Without the proper condensate drain lines, they can seep water that can collect on the rooftop. As well, ensure that all drains are free from debris such as dirt, silt and leaves.
Damage from Roof Traffic and Abuse
Punctures can occur when there is undue traffic from construction workers moving about your roof. As well, adding or subtracting elements such as exhaust pipes, skylights or even a TV antenna can compromise the protective membrane.
It is important to note that metal roofs tend to move a fair bit, so extra caution is needed to caulk and seal seams and joints on any new projects. If you encounter a leak after work is done, this may be a reason for it.
Do You Notice Signs of Shrinkage?
Single-ply roof types are prone to having the ballasted membranes shrink which end up pulling on the flashings, causing damage and allowing water to enter. This may be a serious problem that goes beyond having seams re-caulked. You should talk to a professional company for advice in this situation.
Chimney Flashing and Vent Repairs
A common cause of leaks comes from aging caulk on chimneys and vents. Check for signs of cracking of the formation of gaps where the flashing is installed. Vent pipe collars can become rusted around the base, which can lead to water pooling and eventually leakage.
If either is found to be wearing thin, it’s a simple matter to re-caulk or re-install flashing to update your roof’s protection.
For entire roof restorations Adelaide residents should turn to a professional before engaging in a repair themselves. While some issues are cosmetic or minor in terms of damage, others can require structural upgrades and possibly a full roof replacement.
If you have encountered any of these symptoms already, it’s best to talk to a specialist before the problem escalates beyond your ability to fix it. Before anything else, however, it’s best that you give your home a decent inspection.
