Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Finding A Leak In Your Roof

By Hedrick Lepsch


Many people are looking for ways to save money in today's economy. There is also an increased focus on 'going green' and living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. In many cases it is possible to incorporate both of these things into minor repairs and upgrades to your home.

If you pay attention and take the time to catch the leak and fix it quickly, quite often the fix is easy and inexpensive. The longer that you allow water to damage your home, the more expensive the fix becomes. Any discoloration, dripping noises, and appearance of wetness should be examined immediately.

Solar trash cans are popping up in cities across the nation, and it's easy to see why. A solar panel sits on top of the can, soaking in the sun's rays all day. Meanwhile, the can compresses all the garbage thrown in, and sends out a signal when it's ready to be emptied. Estimates are that solar trash cans reduce the costs of fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 80%. That equates to huge savings for any municipality that invests in them. Before too long you'll be seeing one on a street corner near you.

If you know that the leak is coming from your roof, start by taking note of where the water is collecting. In homes with an attic, go up with a flashlight and examine the area above where your ceiling is discolored. Remember that water may not be entering from a spot directly above the discoloration.

Go a step farther by installing timers on your thermostat and water heaters. This way you can make sure your home is not using unnecessary energy while you're away from home. Also, take care to maintain your A/C and heating units and change the filters regularly.

Solar powered plane

Change your light bulbs and replace them with fluorescent or LED lighting. These lights last longer and use less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. Learn a bit about how ceiling fans work and use them to help circulate the air. Many people don't realize that the fan direction can be changed to pull hot air up in the summer and push it down in the winter.

Solar powered stadium

Once you have located the source of the leak you can fix it. It is recommended that you take immediate action before repairs become significantly more expensive. If you need to, consult a professional before beginning. As you go onto your roof, make sure you are aware of all the safety measures you should take, including wearing the proper clothes and shoes.

Solar Botanic Power Trees

Keep in mind that these suggestions are for shingled roofing. If you have steel roofing or some other kind of material protecting your home, you will want to consult with a roofing specialist to know the best way to go about locating your roof leak.




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