How to Find and Fix Roof Leaks

The early snow of the season is finally starting to fall. Keeping your home, and family, safe and warm is the fundamental function of your roof. Especially in the colder months, it is extremely important to make sure your roof is sturdy and can withstand the wintery weather outside.

Checking for Wet Stains

We talked about this in a previous blog, what to do whenever you see a wet stain. Essentially seeing a damp stain on your ceiling is a sign that something has gone wrong and attention is needed, immediately. Look for wet stains everywhere, especially near areas directly below plumbing appliances, along the walls, and in the attic near exposed areas such as chimneys, vents, or skylights. Check for dampness and discoloration, darker stains usually indicate a roof leak while lighter stains may be condensation from poor ventilation. Either way, you’ll want a trusted professional to look once you notice the stain.

Access your Attic

While you’re up there, bringing down your holiday decorations or putting away your summer wardrobe, take a good look around. Meticulously inspect your attic, it’s a good way to see the overall health of your roof, safely. As said before, check for water damage, the depth and evenness of insulation throughout the attic, and make sure your house is warm enough for the harsh winter. Look for any pests that may have gotten in through gaps in your roof or siding. To easily find any cracks that might let in these pests, as well as cold air and mixture, use a flashlight. Calling a roofing professional for an inspection is a great way to ensure no stone is left unturned when it comes to your attic.

Look for Damaged Shingles

A broken or damaged shingle might be the culprit of a leaking roof. Checking for these is essential to stop leaks before they happen. Visually inspecting your roof should be done from the ground, use binoculars if you want to get a better visual. If you see any visible gaps or bare spots where shingles should be, this might mean some have gone missing. You can also inspect your yard, after a heavy storm, for any shingles that may have gotten loose off of your roof. Broken shingles are commonly the reason a roof leaks. Rainwater can trickle down into your home through the cracks of the shingle. Getting a roofer to look at the problem area on your roof is your best bet in preventing leaks through shingles.

Check the Flashing

The flashing is metal around your chimney that prevents water from seeping into it and the surrounding walls near the chimney structure in your home. Look for signs of damage in the area

around where the chimney meets the roof. Be on the lookout for gaps, rust, or any missing pieces of the flashing. Water might be able to seep in through these compromised areas. An easy way to check for any problem areas in your flashing is to press on it, checking if it’s stable gently.

Contact StormCare Roofing

Give us a call if you notice any roof leaks. We are experts and know exactly how to assess and fix any situation. We will do an in-depth inspection of your roof and all necessary areas to find any problem areas before they become an issue. Your home should be ready for whatever the winter brings. We are here to make sure you and your family are safe from the harsh temperatures. From inspection to insulation, we guarantee your satisfaction!