5 min read
With Long Island experiencing rainfalls throughout the year, many residents want to ensure their roofs aren’t letting any environmental elements enter their home. Even the tiniest gaps can let water in and wreak havoc in living quarters.
Repairing roof leaks can be straightforward. However, before you can carry this out and move forward with water damage restoration in Suffolk County, the source of seepage must be located first.
Fortunately, knowing where to look for potential leaks and knowing the tell-tale signs of a roof leak can make this job easier for you. To help you protect your home from water damage and possible microbial growth, we’ve summarized all the helpful details in the following sections.
Common Areas Where a Roof Leak Occurs
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Around the Chimney
If you’re experiencing a roof leak, your chimney’s flashing is among the first areas worth inspecting.
Chimney flashing comprises thin metal strips that are sealed and caulked to protect the area where the chimney intersects with the roof. Considering this, improper caulking can easily let water seep into the gaps around the chimney and enter your home.
The flashing itself can also experience wear and tear over time, so it’s best to enlist regular roof repairs and maintenance to ensure it keeps water out.
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Cracked, Damaged, or Missing Shingles
The condition of your shingles might also let you know if you indeed have a roof leak or not.
As the structure forming the outmost layer of your roof, they serve as protection against storms, strong winds, and falling debris. Unfortunately, this also means that when they sustain damage or get ripped off of your roof, water can quickly seep into your roof’s structure and cause all kinds of damage.
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Around Skylights
Skylights can enhance any home’s appeal, especially as they let natural light in during the day. However, they can also allow water inside your property, especially if they have been poorly fitted.
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Vent Pipes
Your vent pipes are another fixture worth inspecting for potential leaks. Also known as plumbing vents, these are usually white pipes sticking out of your roof that allow air to escape from your home.
Vent pipes often have flashing and rubber boots to protect your roof from moisture. So when they wear or become damaged over time, they may contribute to roof leaks.
3 Tell-Tale Signs of a Leak
Now that you know the first places to look for leaks, it also helps to know the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Knowing these indications makes it easier to identify a roof leak in its early stages and seek professional water damage restoration in Suffolk County before your property suffers more damage.
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Curling Shingles
Warped or distorted shingles are among the earliest signs of a roof leak. However, they can also indicate poor ventilation in your attic. Be sure to inspect your roof for malformed shingles regularly. Getting prompt roof repairs is also crucial, as the distortion can allow more water to penetrate the roof.
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Dripping
Dripping gutters can be an indication that your roof is leaking. Since they are not correctly leading water down your roof and away from your home, they may allow rainwater to back up into and pool on the top. Aside from leaks, this can also give rise to other water-related issues, like ice dams forming on the roof’s surface.
With this, seeing or hearing any dripping in your house is already a red flag in itself. If you notice water trickling in your attic or anywhere else, it’s best to call your trusted roofers immediately.
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Mold and Microbial Growth
Mold thrives in dark and humid environments. If rain or melted snow has penetrated your roof and settled inside it, it’s only a matter of time before microbial growth takes hold of your structure.
Mold usually presents itself as furry stains on ceilings and interior walls. However, it can also cause a musty odor and even allergy flare-ups, especially in individuals with weak immune systems.
Seeking Water Mitigation Experts After the Roof Leak is Discovered
After you’ve identified the origin of your roof leak, next follows the task of addressing the water damage at its source and restoring your affected possessions as soon as possible. Doing so helps prevent more extensive and expensive issues like mold, damaged ceilings, and rotten sheathing.
If you are unsure how to get started, don’t fret! You can always enlist a professional team like Restoration 1 for water damage restoration in Suffolk County. Our technicians assess and address all kinds of water intrusion, allowing you to sit back while we restore your property to its pre-damaged state.
Contact Restoration 1 of Suffolk County today for immediate clean-up and water mitigation. We look forward to getting your home back to normal in no time.
