Up on the Rooftop
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Up on the Rooftop

The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.

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Up on the Rooftop

4 Reasons Your Roof Is Leaking

Lori Silva

A leaking roof is more than annoying; it can result in serious damage to your roof deck, attic insulation, and it can even cause damage to the drywall and structure of your home.

#1: Damaged Rubber Boots

When talking about roofs, rubber boots are a material that goes around all the objects that protrude out from it, such as plumbing and air vents. The rubber boot helps create a seal between your roof and the object that is protruding from it, helping to ensure water doesn't get into your home.

When the rubber boot starts to crack, it needs to be replaced. This will more than likely happen long before your entire roof needs to be replaced. Replacing the rubber boot as soon as it starts to crack will save you from dealing with leaking.

#2: Damaged Flashing

The flashing is the metal on your roof that is used in areas where your roof meets a vertical structure, such as a wall. Flashing is also used in areas that experience more wear, like valleys.

Flashing often wears out before the primary materials on your roof, and it can get damaged and dislodged over time due to exposure to storms and other natural wear and tear.

If you notice that the flashing is out of place or not looking as good as it used to, you need to replace it right away in order to avoid a leak.

#3: Loose Roofing Nails

Most roofing materials are secured to the roof using roofing nails. Over time, roofing nails sometimes come out of the structure on their own,  leaving behind a small hole.

Even though the hole from a backed-out roofing nail may be small, it can easily allow a significant amount of water to get under your roof, leading to decking damage and a leak. You may be able to spot backed-out roofing nails on your own; however, this is generally something you need a trained professional to catch. This issue can easily be fixed by putting new nails in place or using a special putty to fill in the holes.

#4: Damaged Shingles

Finally, damaged shingles that are either cracked, loose, missing, or rotting can lead to serious water damage. Your shingles are your first line of defense and when they go down, water can easily get through the underlayment and into your home. Keeping a close eye on your roof, and repairing shingles as they get worn down, can prevent leaks.

It is important to understand the circumstances that lead to a leaking roof, and it is important to take action right away and get your roof repaired if you notice conditions that could cause your roof to leak or you catch your roof actually leaking. Quick repairs can save you thousands of dollars compared to letting a leak go unchecked. Contact a business for information on roof repair.


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