Like everything else, roofs deteriorate over time. An old or damaged roof is prone to leaks and other forms of damage. Water leaking from your roof will not only create unsightly spots on your ceilings and walls, it can damage your home’s foundation or create slippery surfaces. Excess moisture is the number one cause of mold growth in most households.
Ignoring roof leaks can prove to be a costly mistake as even a seemingly innocuous leak can cause significant damage. Do not wait for the situation to get worse before contacting a roof repair contractor in Sonoma County. Follow these tips to fix roof leaks.
Find the Leak
If you notice water stains on your walls or ceilings, there is a strong possibility that your roof is leaking. First and foremost, you need to locate the exact source of the leak. There are several ways to find the source of a leak. You can do a thorough inspection using a pair of binoculars to check if there are any cracked, curled or missing shingles.
Check end caps, the tent-shaped shingles that cover the angular peaks of your roof. If you cannot find the source of the leak, inspect your attic. Trace water leaks up the roof and rafters to the entry point.
If the leak isn’t obvious, get on the roof with a garden hose and have someone on hand to assist you. Begin spraying water on your roof while your helper watches for any droplets to indicate where the leak is at.
Secure Curled Shingles
Before we discuss anything regarding repairing, replacing, or fixing shingles, it is important to know that DIY repair may risk invalidating your warranty.
To re-secure curled shingles, brush on a coating of asphalt roofing cement or use its equivalent compound. Fill it in tubes and apply the compound to the underside of shingles to make sure the edge and corners are secured.
Replace Damaged or Missing Shingles
If your shingles are missing or damaged, replacing them may be a simple fix for repairing water damage. To remove a damaged shingle, lift the edges of the shingles around it. Using a nail bar to remove nails. Then slide the shingle out and scrape away any of the residual cement and level or get rid of protruding nails.
Before replacing the shingle, round the back corners with a utility knife. After you slide the new shingle in position, lift the corners of the overlapping shingles. Fasten the top with galvanized roofing nails. Remember to secure with nails in each corner and cover the nail heads with roofing cement.
If this sounds like a stressful plan, stick with the roofing experts at ARS Roofing, Gutters & Solar. We will help you add years to the useful life of your roof and ensure that it is functioning correctly. To schedule an inspection, call (707) 584-5900.