Do you notice your roof leaking when it rains hard? If so, it is essential to find out what is causing the problem as soon as you can.

Roof leaks, if caught early enough, might be quite easy to fix. If left for too long, though, you run the risk of serious water damage occurring in your home and a much bigger headache.

It’s not just the damage that you can see that is problematic. Unseen to you, mold could be growing within the walls or in the ceiling. Rotting wood could cause serious structural difficulties in your home.

Contact the pros Metro Area Construction today for an inspection call (612) 275-5530.

Roof Leaks When It Rains Hard

What to Do When Your Roof Leaks

The first thing to do is to try and identify the source of the leak. Is it a loose shingle? Is it a roof vents leak? Finding the source of the problem is the first step to effective roof leak repair.

Now, finding the source of the leak might entail clambering around in the attic, or it might entail getting up on the roof itself once the rain has stopped and the roof is dry. This is something that you should approach with caution.

If you do decide to go up on the roof, it is always a good idea to have someone else around to help you if there is an accident. Also, use a sturdy and properly secured ladder when getting on and off the roof.

If you are not so sure about climbing up yourself, you can call in a professional from Metro Area Construction for help.

When you start looking for the source of flat roof leaks, you also have to keep in mind that the area that the water is pooling in is not necessarily where the leak is. Check the rafters and other surfaces inside the roof to see if the water has traveled from somewhere else.

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Repairing Roof Leaks

Having a leaky roof does not always mean that you have to call in a professional roof repair crew. There are some minor repairs that you can do yourself, especially if it is just something simple like a broken shingle or caulking your sunlight again.

  1. Use your common sense, though, if more extensive repairs are needed, a quick patch here, and there could end up costing you more in the long-run.
  2. Check the roof thoroughly. Are all the shingles in order? Are most or all of them in place? Have any cracked or started warping? If so, replace those shingles.
  3. If you have an asphalt roof, have a look at the granules on the tile surfaces, are they still intact? Have you been finding a lot of granule sediment in your gutters? If so, this could be an indication that you have hail damage or that the roof might need to be replaced soon.

With damage of this nature, it will depend on how extensive the problem is. If much of the roof has been affected, it is better to call in a professional.

The next thing to do will be to see if there are any holes that you can find. Check the chimney and flashing for any damage, cracks or breaks. Is the flashing intact? Does it fit snugly as it is supposed to, or do you need to reapply sealant?

Flashing that is warped or broken must be replaced as soon as possible.

Check around frames for windows in the attic and your sunlight to see if the caulking has perished. If so, a good quality silicone sealant may be all you need to stop the leaking.

Another piece of advice when it comes to roof leaks may seem a little strange – make sure that your gutters are kept clean as the overflow from a blocked gutter could make it seem as though the roof itself is leaking.

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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

This will depend on the policy that you have and normally what caused the leak. If some shingles blew off in a gale, or a piece of debris damaged the roof, they will most likely pay to have it repaired. Bad hail damage may also be covered.

If, however, the leak is because of normal wear and tear, it will normally fall under the cover of maintenance. And home maintenance is usually not covered by your insurance.

Also, if the leak was as a result of a previous incident, and you didn’t take steps to repair it timeously, you might be responsible for the repairs if it gets worse.

So, say for example, that a tree branch breaks a roof tile and you ignore it for six months. This causes a lot of water damage and your ceiling collapses as a result. The company may not cover you in this eventuality.

It should always be remembered that the homeowner also has some duty of care here – you do need to take steps to maintain your property.

If you are able to claim on your insurance, it is also worth checking upfront what sort of deductible you might be expected to pay. If it is just a small repair, it might not be worth claiming at all.

When in doubt, your best option is to get a professional out and give you a quote for repairs. Professional roofers know exactly what to look for and should be able to find the source of the problem quite quickly.

In fact, it doesn’t hurt to have them come out and give your roof the once over once a year or so. They often use sensitive equipment that can pick up traces of water damage that are not yet visible to the eye.

This kind of roof inspection is not free, but it is the perfect way to head off serious problems early on and extend the lifespan of your roof.

When it comes to the roof over your head, you do not want to take silly chances. Whether you are calling in a professional roofer, or you are doing the repairs yourself, you want to act as soon as possible to head off potentially bigger issues later.