When leaks aren’t attended to immediately, they can cause widespread damage. Unfortunately, they don’t always present themselves right away, making it hard to act fast. Doubly unfortunate is the fact that leaks can cause problems that impact more than just your roofing system. This three-part blog series is here to help you avoid all that by giving you the lowdown on everything you need to know about roof leaks, including spotting signs of a leak, what you can do about them and phow you can prevent them.
PART 1: Telltale Signs Your Roof Is Leaking Given time, roof leaks can and will worsen. This is why it’s critical that you catch the problem in its infancy and address it promptly. To do this, you need to know when to take action. Below are some of the warning signs that mean you may be dealing with a roof leak: Water Spots in the Ceiling. This is a clear indication that your roof is suffering from a leak. Water spots mean moisture from the roof has seeped through, bypassing your underlayment, which signifies damage to the
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material, Unfortunately, just because you found a water stain in a certain area doesn’t mean that the source of the leak is directly above it. Moisture can travel far, which is why you need an expert team to help you locate leak sources.
Missing, Loose, or Damaged Shingles. If your shingles aren’t in their proper position, orand if they’re not in good shape, it’s highly likely that a leak will occur. Missing or damaged shingles need to be replaced, while loose shingles need to be hammered down completely to protect against leaks. Shingle Granules in Gutters. If you have shingle granules accumulating in your gutters, this is an indication that your shingles are at the end of their lifespan. Granules cover the surface of asphalt shingles, acting as protection against harsh weather. However,
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as shingles are exposed to the elements, their surfaces get worn down, resulting in the loss of granules. While it’s normal to spot a few granules in the gutters, excessive amounts should trigger an alarm, as this means your shingles have nearly completely lost their protective layer, making them more vulnerable to leaks.
Uncomfortable Interior Temperature. This points to a potential problem with your attic ventilation. With warm air trapped inside the home, It can lead to a spike in temperature
It’s not enough to know the signs of a roof leak. In Part 2 of this ebook, we’ll be discussing some of the steps you can take to prevent leaks from developing in the first place, so stay tuned!
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PART 2: Preventing Roof Leaks: Steps to Take Roof leaks can cause widespread water damage in your home and can even lead to mold and mildew formation. As a result, you and everyone living under your roof is at risk of inflammation, asthma, and other health issues. Furthermore, a leaky roof can also cause an increase in your energy bills. Excess moisture from the roof can deplete your insulation requiring your HVAC system to work double-time to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature As you can see, roof leaks, should never be ignored. They can bring many problems to a household, but the
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the good news is, you can prevent leaks and their subsequent issues from happening by being proactive.
Here are a few ways you can help prevent roof leaks from forming: Trim tree branches touching or hovering over your roofing and gutter systems. Fallen leaves and twigs can fall on the roof, causing gutter clogs that lead to overflows and give rise to leaks. Clear out your gutters regularly. Any dirt, tree branch, or other type of debris should be removed to prevent water overflow. Got loose or sagging gutters? Have them repaired or replaced immediately. The main role of your gutters is to prevent water from accumulating on your roof. A clogged gutter can encourage excess moisture to seep through your roof and foundation. Reset loose bricks.
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Have your chimney and skylights caulked for enhanced protection against the weather. If your house has an attic, be sure it’s properly ventilated and insulated. Doing so helps regulate interior temperature while also preventing water entry. Replace missing shingles right away. Roof patches that have multiple colors indicate your roof has missing shingles. You should also consider replacing any cracked or broken shingles for more comprehensive protection. Unlike the natural aging of your roof, leaks are actually preventable. With regular care and maintenance from a professional roofing contractor, your roofing system will help keep your family safe and dry for many years to come.
What can you expect from a professional roof maintenance program? Find out in Part 3 of this ebook!
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PART 3: Benefits of Professional Roof Maintenance Almost anything diminishes with age, and that includes your roof’s performance. With constant exposure to the sun and other elements, it’s only inevitable that your roof’s condition will decline over time. However, that doesn’t mean you should just relent. With proper maintenance, you can give your roof the care it offers top-notch protection throughout its service The benefits of professional roof maintenance offers you include:
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Avoid Costly Repairs Leaks should be spotted in their early stages to prevent them from becoming even bigger. By being proactive about maintaining your roof, you can identify even the smallest issues and act on them right away. More extensive issues mean costlier repairs, which is why regular and professional maintenance is necessary. Extend the Service Life of Your Roof Regular maintenance by a pro can also add years to the lifespan of your roof. During the process, your roof will be cleaned, repaired, sealed, and recoated, keeping it in optimal condition all the time. This slows down the wear and tear process, allowing you to maximize your investment.
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Keep Your Family Healthy Undetected leaks can promote the growth of mold, mildew, and other harmful substances. If you detect amold or mildew in your home have the leak repaired as soon as possible to make sure your family is safe from these hazardous elements.
Preserve Your Home’s Curb Appeal As much as 40% of your home’s curb appeal is dependent on your roof’s appearance. A poorly maintained roof creates an eyesore that drags down your curb appeal. By investing in regular roof maintenance, you can preserve the beauty and charm of your home, drawing attention for the right reasons.
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Encourage Sustainability Roof maintenance also has its share of environmental advantages. Millions of tons of roofing waste end up in landfills each year, and a huge percentage of them comes from damaged, inefficient systems. With proper roof maintenance, you extend the lifespan of your roof, delaying replacement to help reduce tear-off waste.
For a homeowner, there’s nothing more frustrating than a roof leak. Fortunately, there are things you can do about it, addressing not just the problem but also making the most of your roofing system. To learn more about taking care of roof leaks, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a roofing expert in your area today.
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ARRY’S ROOFING SERVICES, INC 401 E Spruce St., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
(727) 938-9565 www.arrysroofing.com