Thursday, August 20, 2009

Roof Leaks Can Be Damaging- Act Quickly

By Scott Rodgers

Roof leaks are common at homes. It can lead to many serious problems like it can damage the entire structure, can give rise to mold and mildew which can further damage your roof. By, sparing la ittle time and effort, you can locate these leaks and repair them easily thus protecting your home from many serious problems.

When you see a roof leak, it is important not to panic, and to realize the roof leaks can be repaired, often with low expenses and minimal time commitment. The first step is to identify the source of the leak. There are a number of very common places for roofs to leak, including:fields of shingles, valleys or low spots in the roof, skylights, chimneys, plumbing vent flashings, wall step flashings, furnace or B-vent flashings, ice dams, missing shingles.

The very common symptom of a roof leak is the presence of wet ceiling tiles. It is not necessary that the leak point and the leak source both will be at the same place. There can be some distance between them. Just trace the leak backward to its source.

After the leak has been located, the first step is to remove any perishable materials from under the leak. It may be necessary to relocate electronic equipment, such as TVs and computers, and to move furniture and other materials.

In some situations you might have to work a bit harder in order to locate the source. If you are not easily able to get to the leak source, remove the top tiling.

If the source of the leak turns out to be as simple as a missing block of shingles due to a recent windstorm, the solution may be as simple as replacing those missing shingles.

If the cause is more complex, it may be necessary to consult a roofing professional to check the roof. This will help to ensure that no more damage takes place, and it is important to act quickly when it comes to a leaking roof.

Regular maintenance of the roof is very essential in order to keep it in a good condition over the years. Get your roof inspected by a professional from time to time and specially after a strong wind storm or snow. Also make sure to regularly clean the gutters and the downspouts.

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