Your roof is the most important part of the house. It is designed to keep you and your family members safe from external factors and extreme weather conditions. This is only possible if the roof is structurally sound and is properly maintained. But, sometimes, roofs tend to run into problems like leakages that can both be easy and complicated to fix. The last thing you would want is the roof leaking when it’s raining outside. However, if your roof is leaking during the rain, you know something needs to be done. You should call in a roofer and a mold removal expert. Now, many reasons can cause your roof to leak in the rain. Below is a list of the potential causes along with their troubleshooting tips and prevention.

Find The Source

The first thing you are going to do when it comes to stopping your roof from leaking in the rain is find the source. You have to keep in mind that finding the source can be tricky sometimes. You will need to perform a thorough inspection of the area and consider areas that could cause blockage like the drain.

The roof contains a lot of points where the rainwater can easily seep into and make its way inside the house. For instance, the chimney could also be an issue if it is cracked or damaged. You will need to check its flashing, chimney cap, flue, etc.

When we talk about inspecting the roof for leakages, you will have to look at and include all the potential reasons your roof could leak, especially when it rains. If you know where to look at it, you will be saving a lot of time and effort.

Next, you need to check the drain for blockage. If there are trees and other plantations near the roof, dead leaves and shrubs can easily accumulate and block the drains, which could force the water to seep into the house.

Perhaps the best way to find a leakage is by observing it from the inside. If you see a discoloration or water spots on a particular wall or area of the house, you can track it down on the roof. Additionally, the roof consists of shingles, tiles, and other components that prevent water leakages.

With time, these tend to crack and become damaged due to external factors. This is why you will need a helping hand to ensure you do not miss out on a spot.

Clear & Dry The Area

After identifying the area, you will need to clear and dry it. Clearing the area means you will need to remove the furniture and other items that might pose an obstacle while you or the expert fixes it. Drying the area is also useful to properly see the leakage.

If there is water or the area happens to be wet, you might not be able to see the extent of the leakage. While you are fixing the leakage, you should keep in mind that the leakage might need to be fixed from the inside as well.

If the furniture and other items are too big or heavy to move, you should cover them with a plastic sheet. Plus, if the leakage is substantial or there is heavy rain, you should not wait to call in a water damage restoration Gaithersburg service.

Identify The Leak

Identifying the leakage is an important part of the process. This step involves tracking down the root cause of the leakage. As mentioned earlier, fixing roof leakages could be a complicated task. The reason is that if there are multiple cracks or leakages in the house, you will need to track them down and identify them.

If the house is leaking when there is rain, it could be that the roof is leaking from multiple points. In most cases, homeowners can spot just one or two sources without realizing there are several more. Sometimes, the leakages are so small that there are no signs of leakages inside the house.

Such leakages are the most dangerous and tricky to solve. They do not show any signs at all until they grow bigger and incur damage. So, if you thought that the shingles were bad, look carefully, it could be that the mortar needs replacement or the nails are loose. You need to be on the spot to identify the leaks to prevent wasting your time, effort, and money. You should also hire a roofing company to inspect the roof.

Use Roofing Tar

To fix the leakage, you will need to apply roofing tar. One of the best ways to keep your roof in proper shape and prevent leakages is by ensuring the tiles are not damaged. You should go for roofing tar patches as they work well for removable tiles.

However, you will need to remove the tiles in that area and find the leak before applying the patch. Applying roof tar will help cover up the crack or damage.

You should know that there are many kinds of roofing tar available out there and selecting the right option may become difficult. To resolve this problem, you should consult an expert.

After deciding one a product and buying it, make sure you follow the instructions mentioned. You should use roofing tar with materials like plywood or shingles, otherwise, it may not work well.

Using A Cover Material

Certain cover materials are specifically made and designed for roof leaks when they are hard to find. For instance, PE or polyethylene plastic is a material that limits the space or area affected by the leak and can also catch any water that is trying to get into your house.

The best way to figure out how much plastic you need is by measuring the area of the leakage. Make sure to add 2 to 3 extra feet just to be on the safe side. It will help cover any future leaks as well. Next, you need to use staples to attach plastic to the leaking areas.

This is the only way you are going to keep the plastic in its place. So, perform this step carefully and do not hurry the process.

Install New Shingles

It is important to note that the condition of the shingles plays an important role when it comes to determining how effective a roof is going to be in terms of stopping a leak. Shingles that have curls, bruises, or pieces missing are considered defective.

You should purchase new shingles and wear gloves and other protective equipment while dealing with them. Use a proper tool to remove the old shingles instead of using your hands. But, if the weather conditions are extreme and you are not able to find any cushion, you could use a tarp to cover the roof for a while.

Conclusion

Although you can identify and fix the leaks in some cases, but it is always advised to opt for an expert. You will be paying a bit more for the service but it is an investment you make on the roof and your house to keep future complications at bay. Moreover, don’t forget to consult mold remediation Silver Spring services because leakages encourage mold growth that can damage parts of your house and cause health problems.