Leaky Roofs: What to Know and How to Fix It

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

With the snow and wet weather continuing to pour in, it’s no surprise that home owners are experiencing the adverse effects of a leaky roof. Tending to a leaky roof could potentially involve a lot of time and effort, but it could easily be prevented with the proper installation and maintenance. 

Follow these top 10 roofing tips in order to properly care for and treat the leaks in your roof.

1. Safety First – While it’s important to take care of a leak in your roof quickly, it’s also important to do so in a safe way. Trying to work on your roof while it’s raining or coated with ice and snow could be very dangerous and could even land you in the hospital. Repairing a leak the right way takes time, so be patient and wait until it’s okay to go outside.

2. Take Precautions – Working on a roof requires you to position your body in ways that are not always comfortable or safe. Make sure to wear the proper shoes and clothing, such as rubber sole shoes, and use a harness if possible. Lastly, always work with a friend who can look out for you and help prevent any serious injuries.

3. Spray the Roof – Before you start any work, use a garden hose to spray water on different parts of the area to locate the leak. Make sure you check the weather though, as it’s not safe to run water on the roof when freezing temperatures are expected.

4. Keep Gutters Clean – Leaky roofs are often caused by clogged gutters, so try to keep your gutters clean. Dirty gutters can often cause the water to build up from rain, increasing the chance of a leak in the future.

5. Avoid Dry Rot – Dry rot comes from a lack of ventilation in the roof. When plywood deteriorates, the roof will sag in and cause the shingles to weaken, crack and leak. To avoid this problem, check that you have a soffit vent and then install a ridge vent. By drilling holes through the soffit vent, cool air will push the hot air out through the top and prevent dry rot.

6. Prevent Ice Buildup – In the winter it’s easy for ice to build up under the roof shingles and in the gutters. When the ice reaches the wall line where the house is heated, it builds back up and creates an interior drip. You can prevent this by using the proper ventilation, rain and ice shields, and installing a drip edge.

7. Fix Roof Boots – Dried up roof boots are a cause of leaky roofs that home owners often miss. Although you may have to remove some shingles and put down better tar underneath, fixing a roof boot is a quick fix and can be purchased in your local hardware store.

8. Inspect Materials – Faulty installation plays a huge role in leaks, and it could also be dangerous if you plan on getting onto the roof. Sometimes shingles begin to crack after being nailed down, and nails could be nailed too low and start to push back up, so always check your merchandise before doing any work.

9. Check Valleys – The valley, also called the ridge, is where two roofs meet at the top. Leaks will often occur in this area because it is where all of the water slides to and begins to move back and forth, putting pressure on the roof.

10. Eliminate Leaks – Try not to get frustrated when you can’t find the source of your leak. If you’ve properly installed equipment on one or more sections of the roof, you can eliminate the areas where you know the leak is not.  

Dealing with a leaky roof can be stressful and time consuming, and that’s why we want to help you! At Phil’s Main Roofing, we will repair and install the top roofing brands and make sure that your home is up to date with the best quality products.

Call us today at 203-838-4545 to schedule your free estimate or visit us online at www.philsmainroofing.com.