My Roof Is Leaking! What Should I Do?

Is your roof leaking, and you’re not sure what to do? The average asphalt shingle roof lasts about 25 to 30 years, so it’s vital to track the age of your roof.

Are you wondering whether it’s time to repair or replace your roof entirely?

We’ll explore different action plans for when your roof is leaking in this guide from McCoy Roofing Company.

Causes of Roof Leaks

First and foremost, how old is your roof? Since roofs don’t last forever, it’s important to know what year you had it installed.

Over time, the outdoor elements cause wear and tear on your roof. Whether it’s sweltering heat in the Summer, frigid Omaha Winters, or heavy-pounding hail storms and a downpour of rain.

This naturally leads to shingles becoming weaker over time. Always check for any missing or damaged shingles, since it’s a common reason for leaks.

Any holes that you have, whether in/near your windows or in your roof, causes leaks as well.

Check out how a roof flashing job is done. A poor flashing job can easily result in roof leaks. For reference, roof flashing is when metal strips are used as a sealant to withstand moisture and water.

Over time, it starts to pull away, which leads to leaking.

The Danger of Waiting

If you find a leak in your roof, the last thing you should do is wait. You don’t want to simply hope for the best, because it won’t go away on its own.

If you ignore it, the leak gets progressively worse over time, which can cause serious damage. Homeowners often tell us that they noticed a leak in their ceiling, and thought nothing of it.

On the inside, look for:

• Sagging in your ceiling
• Spots that have outside lights shining through
• Any dark spots

For the outside, you’ll want to look for:

• Any wear on your vents or chimneys
• Loose materials
• Any missing or damaged shingles
• Clogged gutters

In some circumstances, you might just need a roof repair, instead of replacing the entire roof. It’s best to hire a roofing professional within the Omaha area to take a look.

Find the Source

You’ll want to find the source of the leak first. If you don’t, then any additional fixes you make will be for nothing. First, find its location inside your home. You’ll want to make sure it’s from the roof, and not somewhere else in your home. Remember the location, and try to find it from the outside (on your roof). Take a pair of binoculars with you, while you’re at it.

Check for any missing or damaged shingles.

Leaks can also come from heating and cooling, condensation, clogged gutters, or plumbing issues.

You may need to remove ceiling tiles or drywall to investigate further.

If you have an attic, head up there first. Water can travel through layers of plywood. For fiberglass insulation, make sure you wear protective gloves and some form of eye protection.

Check Walls and Dormers

Leaks don’t always come through the roof itself, but instead through walls or dormers. Check your walls and windows for any cracks.

Recaulk any areas that are hardened or have cracks. Replace any siding that’s rotten or missing.

Use silicone caulk on any dry or cracked caulk. Make sure there’s no cracks in the windows themselves or the hinges. If there are, you might need a full-blown window replacement.

Damage From Trees

After a natural disaster, such as a tornado or severe storm, you’ll want to have a roofing professional come right away. A tree falling on your roof can cause a very significant hole to appear.

It’s best to leave these repairs to a professional, to make sure that everything’s repaired properly. They can also tell you if the whole roof will need a replacement, as opposed to a specific section.

In the meantime, place a tarp over your roof to avoid any water damage.

Replace Missing Shingles

Any missing or damaged shingles will need to be replaced. If you have the replacement shingles necessary and feel comfortable doing it, you can replace them to fix the leak.

Round the back corners of the shingles with a utility knife. This will make sliding the shingle underneath a much easier process.

Once they’re in place, secure them with nails. After this, you’ll want to cover the nail heads with roof cement. Also make sure to smooth down any overlapping shingle edges. It’s best to leave repairing and replacing to a roofing professional, to ensure the job is done correctly and lasts sustainably.

Prevent Roof Leaks

Check your chimney for a roof leak as well. You’ll be looking for any missing or damaged shingles, flashing, skylights, and furnace shingles.

If you can’t determine a permanent solution for your roof, then in the meantime you can provide a temporary solution. Head to the spot with flashing, tar, and a tool kit.

This will help prevent leaks while you wait for a roofing professional to take a look.

What to Do When Your Roof Is Leaking

Now that you’ve learned what to do when your roof is leaking, don’t delay on contacting a roofing professional.

Do you have roofing leaks, and are unsure of what to do? Do you have an old roof, and are curious if it’s reached its prime? Whether you’re in Lincoln or Omaha, we’ll make sure to give top-quality expertise and thoroughly cover the necessary steps to ensure that your roof is fixed.

Whether it’s a fix on your current roof or a completely new roof installation, we’re here to help.

Give us a call at 402-616-7304, and we’ll come up with an action plan, based on your specific needs.