Pay Online
At Hepler Contracting, we understand the importance of maintaining a safe and comfortable home and the difficulties homeowners may face in doing so. So what happens when something as crucial as your roof starts to leak? Suddenly, your peace of mind is ruined, and you’re left feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
Through this blog post, we aim to ease your worries and provide you with the knowledge you need to understand the solutions available for repairing a leaking roof. It’s helpful to understand the causes of roof leaks, the cost of repairs, and emergency solutions before you take matters into your own hands.
Let’s understand the essential aspects of roof leak repairs every homeowner should know.
Hidden Signs of a Roof Leak
Roof leaks can be sneaky, and sometimes the signs aren’t immediately noticeable. Dripping water is an obvious sign that may require emergency roof repair services. However, there are other hidden signs that you should keep an eye out for. Knowing all the signs can help you find the source of the leaks, which helps to repair the roof leaks correctly.
Dark Spots in the Attic
Check your attic for any signs of discoloration or moisture. Dark spots on the walls or ceiling can indicate that water is penetrating the roof and damaging the construction materials in the attic.
Musty Odors
If you are noticing a musty odor in your home, it could be a sign of mold growth. Roof leaks tend to cause moisture to accumulate in the walls or insulation, leading to mold and mildew growth.
Mold and Algae Growth
If you notice green or black growth in your attic, on the roof, or around the gutters, it indicates mold and algae growth. These organisms thrive in moist environments, and the fungus feeds on organic materials like asphalt and wood, making way for moisture to seep in. This issue calls for urgent roof leak repairs and cleaning.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
When moisture seeps through the roof and into the walls, it can cause the paint or wallpaper to peel or bubble. Check around the ceiling and upper corners of the walls for bubbles and peeling paint.
Sagging Roof Deck
If the roof deck is sagging, it may have developed some gaps or cracks from where the leak is occurring. This could also mean that the water has been seeping through the roof for some time now, getting absorbed into the wooden decking material and causing it to sag and rot.
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s time to understand the source and causes of the leaks so that you can choose the right solution to fix the leaks and end the main problem.
The Cause of Roof Leaks
To repair a roof leak permanently, it’s vital to know the factors that contribute to the problem in order to prevent it from happening again. Let’s understand some of the major causes of roof leaks.
Old Roofing Materials
As your roof ages, it becomes more vulnerable to leaks due to the natural wear and tear that occurs over time. Shingles can lose their granules, and flashing may become corroded, creating areas where water can easily seep through.
Poor Installation
If the roofing system is not installed correctly, it becomes more prone to leaks. Look for the improper alignment of shingles, flashing, and vent installation, damage or gaps in the insulation, and humidity inside the attic. These all indicate that the materials were poorly installed, and in this case, you need an extensive roof repair service to rectify the faulty installation.
Natural Events
Weather events can also cause damage to your roof that may call for roof leak repairs, especially if you live in an area with heavy rain, hail, snow, or wind. These elements cause shingles to dislodge or become damaged, which then leads to leaks. Fallen debris, such as tree limbs or branches, can also cause damage to your roof and create areas where water can enter.
Causes of Metal Roof Leaks
If you own a metal roof, there are several reasons why its panels might develop leaks, including aging, rust, improper installation, and thermal expansion. Rust forms over time due to constant exposure to moisture and oxygen, creating gaps that allow water to seep through. Leaks may also result from improper installation, such as using an insufficient number of screws or leaving gaps between panels. Additionally, thermal expansion can cause fasteners to loosen over time, leading to leaks in the roof.
Other than these reasons, leaks develop when the roof gets damaged due to foot traffic and the gutters remain clogged for a long period of time.
Working with a reputable and licensed roofing company is crucial to the inspection and repair of your leaking roof. They will also explain how you can prevent such issues in the future. Additionally, your insurance company is more likely to approve your claim for roof damage if you can prove that the work is done by a professional.
Common Solutions to Fix Roof Leaks
When it comes to fixing roof leaks, there are several different solutions to consider depending on the extent of the damage and the type of roof you have.
Patching
If the damage to your roof is relatively minor and limited to a small area, patching may be a viable solution. This involves applying a sealant or patching material to the damaged area to prevent further water infiltration. However, patching is typically a short-term solution and may not be appropriate for repairing multiple roof leaks or damage of significant size.
Sealing
Sealing around flashing or vent pipes can be an effective solution to repair minor cracks and leaks around these areas. This involves applying a sealant or caulking material to the area where the leak occurs to prevent water from getting in.
Replacing the Damaged Roofing Materials
In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace an entire section of the roof instead of just fixing the roof leak with sealants or patches. For example, replacing the damaged roofing materials may be necessary if the roof has had leaks before, or has been damaged by stormy weather.
Metal Roof Leak Repair
Solutions to fix metal roof leaks include sealing the area around the leak with a high-quality metal panel sealant or coating the roof with rust proof paint or spray-on coating. In case of significant damage, replacing the damaged panels or sections of the roof may be necessary.
Your roofing contractor should use good-quality roof leak repair products and roofing materials to provide long-term, cost-effective solutions. Now let’s understand what to expect from a leak repair service in terms of cost and emergency needs.
Roof Leak Repair Costs
On average, roof leak repairs cost between $300 and $1,100, with larger repairs or replacements costing more. However, the exact cost will depend on several factors, such as:
- Location of the leak
- Type of roof (e.g., asphalt shingles, metal, and composite shingles)
- The extent of damage
- Materials needed for repair
- Labor costs in your area
- Experience and certifications of your roofing contractor
With this in mind, research your local contractors and get an estimate from an experienced and reliable company before starting any repairs. At Hepler Contracting, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners by offering a free estimate on roof repair costs.
Emergency Roof Leak Repair
In the event of an emergency roof leak, it’s crucial to take immediate action to minimize damage and prevent further leaks. Temporary fixes such as covering the leak with a tarp or placing a bucket underneath it to catch the water can be helpful in the short term, but it’s essential to call a professional as soon as possible to repair the leak properly. Most roofing contractors offer emergency roof leak repair services for storm damage and other emergencies.
However, homeowners often wonder whether they should attempt to make repairs themselves or hire a professional roofer. If you are also considering this, let’s compare each option to help you make a choice.
DIY vs. Professional Roof Leak Repairs
While attempting to fix a roof leak yourself may seem like a cost-effective and convenient option, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks and drawbacks.
- Without the proper safety equipment and experience, DIY repairs can be dangerous, and inexperience may lead to ineffective or even harmful repairs.
- Additionally, homeowners may not have access to the specialized tools and high-quality materials (all of which are expensive) required for an effective repair.
- Other than that, most insurance policies and manufacturer warranties state that any installation, construction, or repair work, including roof leak repairs, should be done by a licensed professional so that your claim or warranty remains valid.
- By hiring a professional roofer, homeowners can ensure that their repair is done safely, efficiently, and effectively, without the risks and drawbacks associated with DIY emergency roof repairs.
At the end of the day, investing in a reliable service can save homeowners time, money, and stress, while providing peace of mind that their home is protected.
If you live in Pittsburgh or the surrounding areas in Pennsylvania, we can fix your leaky roof, permanently.
Get a Free Estimate & the Most Reliable Solution to Fix Your Leaking Roof
At Hepler Contracting, we understand that a roof leak can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for homeowners. That’s why we’re committed to providing exceptional roof repair services while prioritizing our clients’ safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Our skilled and licensed experts can identify the root cause of your roof leak and provide a permanent solution within your budget. We also offer emergency services to provide our support when you need it the most.
At Hepler Contracting, we’re not just about fixing roofs, we’re about building long-term relationships with our customers by providing the care and concern they deserve. Call us at (412) 694-8785 for a free estimate on your roof leak repairs.
