Last Updated on February 28, 2022 by Kravelv
No one ever expects their roof to need repairs, but sometimes they’re just unavoidable. If your roof starts leaking or develops other problems, it’s essential to take action immediately. This is one of those times that ignoring a minor issue can mean that you end up with a much bigger problem to deal with.
In this guide, we will help you understand the signs of a leaky roof that you need to look for and the options for getting it repaired. While some of the repair jobs might be suitable for some who is confident with their DIY skills, many roofing jobs really need the skills and experience of a professional service. So, we’re also going to provide advice for finding professional help, whether that’s roofing contractors Frisco TX or a building company in Los Angeles
Signs of a Leaky Roof
The water dripping down from the ceiling might be an obvious sign, but if the issue is in a room that you don’t often use or up in the attic space, there might be other signs to look for.
Some common signs of a leaky roof include:
- Water stains on the ceiling or walls
- Peeling paint
- Mold or mildew
- Wet spots on the roof
If there are water marks on the floor, check whether there is a leaking radiator or pipe before assuming that it’s the roof that’s causing the problem.
Things To Do First
The first step is to prevent further damage, so make sure that the water is being collected and not causing further structural damage or causing furniture and soft furnishings to get wet.
If it’s likely that there will be an insurance claim, take photographs and contact your insurance company first. Don’t do anything yourself until you’ve spoken to them and have approval for the works.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of roof repairs will depend on the size and type of roof, the extent of the damage, and the materials that are required. That means that you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $10,000 for roof repairs, depending on the scale of the problem. Ensure that you get quotes from several contractors before deciding who to go with.
Roofing Repair Tips
Finding the Source of the Leak
The first step in fixing a leaky roof is finding the source of the problem. Once you know where the water is coming in, you can start to patch it up. Sometimes, the leak can be easy to spot, but other times it can be challenging to pinpoint the issue.
When you’re trying to track down a leak, start by looking at the area of the roof above the stains. First off, look for anything that penetrates the roof penetrations. That might include plumbing and roof vents, chimneys, dormers, or anything else that projects through the roof.
If you have an attic, that can be the easiest way to track down a leak. Look for stains, black marks, or mold. If you can’t get into the attic, then it will need someone to go onto the roof to examine the roof. If you’re unsure where the leak is, you could use a hose to spray water on the roof and see where it collects.
Repairing Roof Shingles
Shingles are the most common type of roofing material, and they’re usually made from asphalt, wood, or slate. If you have a shingle roof, then the best way to repair it is to replace the individual shingles that are damaged.
Start by removing the shingle in the worst condition and replacing it with a new one. If you have any spare shingles lying around, then use them as a template to cut the new shingle to size.
Shingle roofs are usually fixed by using a roofing cement or adhesive to attach the new shingle to the existing ones. Make sure that you press down firmly on the new shingle so that it sticks properly and doesn’t move.
If many shingles are damaged, then you might find it cheaper to replace the whole roof.
Replacing Roof Tiles
If you have a tile roof, then the best way to repair it is to replace the damaged tiles. Start by removing the damaged tiles and replacing them with new ones.
If you don’t have any spare tiles lying around, then you can buy them from a hardware store or roofing supplier. Make sure that you get the same type of tile as the ones that are already on your roof.
Tile roofs are usually fixed by using a mortar mix to attach the new tile to the existing ones.
Replacing a Roof Metal
If you have a metal roof, then the best way to repair it is to replace the metal panels that are damaged. Start by removing the damaged metal panels and replacing them with new ones.
If you don’t have any spare metal panels lying around, then you can buy them from a hardware store or roofing supplier. Make sure that you get the same type of metal as the ones that are already on your roof.
Replacing a Roof Membrane
If you have a roof membrane, then the best way to repair it is to replace the whole roof. Roof membranes are usually made from plastic or rubber, and they’re used in flat roofs.
Replacing a roof membrane is a big job, so you’ll need to hire a professional contractor to do it for you. Ensure that you get references and reviews from previous customers before deciding who to go with.
Fixing Roof Leaks with Caulking
If the roof leaks around the edges of the roof or around the chimney, you can fix it by using caulking. This is a job that you can do yourself, and it’s a cheap and easy way to stop leaks.
Installing Roof Flashing
If your roof has flashing and it’s damaged, you’ll need to replace it. This is also a job that’s best left to the professionals.
Re-pointing Mortar on Chimneys
If the mortar on your chimney is cracked or missing, you’ll need to re-point it. You can do this job yourself, but it’s a bit tricky, so make sure that you read the instructions carefully.
Re-roofing a House
If the entire roof needs to be replaced, then you’ll need to hire a professional contractor. This is a big job, and it will cost a lot of money, so make sure that you get several quotes before deciding who to go with.
Hiring a Contractor
When hiring a contractor, be sure to get referrals from friends and family and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against them.
It’s essential to get several estimates from different contractors and compare prices before deciding on one. The contractor should also provide a written estimate that includes the cost of materials and labor.
Remember to ask the contractor about their experience with roof repairs, as well as insurance and licensing, before signing a contract or paying a deposit.