Why is My Roof Leaking?
A roof is the most important aspect of your home. Think of your roof as a helmet for your house – it has to protect you and your family from the elements, such as rain, snow, wind, hail and ice. It also shades you from direct sunlight and provides insulation to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is important to protect this essential part of your home and care for your roof regularly. A reliable roof needs to withstand seasonal changes over the years in order to keep you and your home protected.
Part of caring for your roof is inspecting it bi-annually for any potential leaks. A leaky roof doesn’t just happen overnight – it’s usually the result of poor roof maintenance or severe weather. Failure to maintain and inspect your roof twice a year can lead to leaks and structural damage. Regular monitoring (and resealing when necessary) can prevent leaks and further roof damage down the road. Don’t ignore minor roof issues or they could balloon into larger problems, resulting in the need for a whole new roof before its expiration date.
What are signs of a leaky roof?
- Dark spots on the ceiling
- Sagging areas on your ceiling
- Missing, warped, rotting, peeling, broken, blistering, or buckling shingles on your rooftop
- Clogged gutters or downspouts
- Loose material (shingle granules) or wear around chimneys and vents
The number one cause of leaky roofs is damage to shingles. Shingles can be damaged a number of ways, including improper installation, animal and human foot traffic and the weather. If you hire a certified and experienced roofing contractor, such as Best Contracting, improper installation will not be a concern for your home’s roof. Improper installation usually occurs when homeowners attempt to install their own roof shingles. Shingles can be damaged by the amount of foot traffic on them by humans and animals. Poor weather, such as strong wind, hail, frost and extreme heat, can have lasting negative effects on roof shingles. Lastly, the age of your roof can impact the durability. Over time, roofs will eventually break down and require repairs or even a roof replacement all together.
How do you pinpoint where leaks are coming from?
Water stains and mold growth are easy to spot on your ceiling. However, roof leaks can be a much larger issue. When water penetrates a roof, it can be easily diverted by insulation. So, even if you notice the evidence of a leak in the corner of a room, the weak point in your roof may be in a different part of your house. At the first sign of a roof leak, head up to your attic space to carefully examine the underside of your roof. Using a flashlight, look for any dark, moist or moldy areas. Insulation will show signs of moisture and should be removed while wearing appropriate protective gear. It is important to act quickly once you’ve pinpointed the location of a roof leak. Roof repair could consist of replacing a shingle or an entire roof, depending on the severity of the leak and the condition and age of the roof.
Why choose Best Contracting for your residential roofing needs?
Best Contracting uses a “New Roof, No Mess” process, which ensures the tidy and easy removal of your old residential roof while the replacement roof is being installed. A portable roof trailer makes clean up simple and effective. Your home’s property will stay clean and tidy during the entire replacement roof process. Our project management skills and strong communication with our customers will keep your home’s roofing project on schedule and on budget.
Best Contracting, based out of Lancaster County, PA, is a fully insured roofing contractor that holds several trusted roofing industry certifications to prove their expertise. We take pride in delivering excellent results to your home in a timely and neat fashion. Best Contracting offers a variety of residential services, including roof replacement, siding and gutters.
If you have suffered from a leaky roof and feel a new residential roof is in your family’s near future, contact the best roofing company at (717) 283-4524 or via our website today. We look forward to helping you protect your home with a quality roof!
