How To Avoid Unnecessary Damage If Your Roof Springs A Leak
One of the most common and often costly issues homeowners call on contractors to fix is a leaky roof. Most property owners simply don’t have the expertise or even the desire to climb onto their roofs and look for the source of the problem themselves.
However, even for a professional, the source of the leak can often be difficult to find. It rarely lines up with where water is entering the home, and it can take even a professional contractor time to find the source and figure out the path the water is taking. Yet all of this time, effort, and expense can often be avoided with a comprehensive maintenance program. You wouldn’t expect your AC to run properly if you never replaced the filter, or your car to run reliably if you never changed the oil, right?
That’s why the National Roofing Contractor’s Association recommends a preventive maintenance plan consisting of periodic inspections (fall and spring are best), routine maintenance, and minor repairs to help avoid costly problems down the road. But even with regular maintenance, things can sometimes still go wrong. Leaking roofs can develop for a variety of reasons: improper installation, wind or storm damage, or it could simply be time to replace your roof since most are only meant to last about 20-30 years.
If you do discover that you’ve developed a leak, what should your next steps be?
Even a small leak can eventually pose a number of problems: structural, safety, and even health issues can arise when leaks are left untreated. Constant water leaking will ultimately work its way down into the very foundation of your house, causing plenty of costly damage as it goes. Paint and plaster on nearby walls and ceilings may darken, bubble, or crack, and items stored directly under the leak can be significantly damaged. Mold and mildew growth can spread throughout the home if given enough time to get a foothold, and can be difficult to get rid of. It may also cause serious health problems.
Other difficulties that can arise from unresolved leaking roofs are fire hazards (water shorting out electrical wiring), slip and fall hazards (water puddles on the floor), and higher utility bills and wasted energy (water leaking can soak insulation, reducing its efficiency at keeping heat in and cold out.) The most obvious and most concerning consequence of a chronic roof leak is structural damage. Wood can deteriorate, roof framing can weaken and rot, and given time, chunks of ceilings can actually collapse, damaging anything underneath, including you!
As you can see, it’s important to contact an experienced roofing contractor as soon as possible to inspect the damage and work with you on a plan to correct the problem. Here at Pinnacle Roofing, we have what it takes to keep you and your family dry, warm, and safe. We are a local company with Memphis roots, and we take pride in providing high-quality workmanship. We have a passion for serving both our commercial and residential customers. Whether you’re looking to prevent leaks or patch one up, we’re here for you!