Adequate maintenance of a property begins with roof repair. The roof is the pivotal aspect of any construction apart from the foundation. Roof damage can result in a series of severe consequences affecting the overall structural integrity of your property.
In cities like the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill, leaky roofs are prevalent. Whether you have a concrete flat roof or asphalt shingles slant roof, leaks occur in any scenario. It is a key concern because leaks indicate water seepage into the interiors, risking the strength and stability of the construction.
You will be lucky to avert detrimental results by promptly calling roof repair contractors Queens. Since roof leak repair is a complicated and labor-intensive project, you will always need professional assistance.
Now, how do you fix roof leaks? Let’s learn about it in detail.
Causes of Roof Leaks
Multiple factors are responsible for leaks in a roof. These include:
- Ageing- Weathering and erosion due to ageing are prominent causes of leaking roofs. As the masonry materials deteriorate, it becomes porous, allowing water seepage.
- Cracks- You won’t find a roof without any cracks! Roof repair companies consider it the primary factor leading to water infiltration. Thus, you have a leaky roof. Cracks appear due to temperature fluctuations, moisture, and soil settlement.
- Improper Flashing- If you have rusted, broken, or improper flashing, water finds its way to the interiors. Flashing is essential to direct away rainwater from the roof.
- Missing Shingles- Shingle roofs are prone to broken or missing shingles. Physical impact, environmental changes, and ageing are responsible for this problem.
- Disintegrating Mortar- If you have a concrete roof, the mortar joints are its weakest spots. These joints are susceptible to crumbling and decay, making the ideal passageway for water intrusion.
- Clogged Gutters- Like flashing, gutters also direct rainwater away from the roof. However, when gutters become clogged with debris, it results in pooling water which gradually seeps through the surface.
Well, whatever the cause is behind your roof leakage, fix it promptly. The risks of delaying roof repair are too costly!
Fixing Roof Leaks
Since the roof is a complex structure, repairing the leaks is also a critical process.
- Identify the Source- Before beginning the repair process, recognizing the source of the leak is essential. It helps in providing the most appropriate and long-term solution. So, look for damp spots on the ceiling and examine the roof surface thoroughly. A professional will implement various tools and techniques to assess the severity and extent of damage.
- Repair Damaged Shingles- If you have a shingle roof and have spotted broken or missing shingles, you can replace them if the damage is minor. But in critical situations, you need to remove the entire shingle row to analyze the condition of the roof deck. If there are molds or rot, replacing the roof deck is necessary. Roofing repair contractors replace damaged roof decks and install new shingles for prolonged longevity and effectiveness.
- Repair Joints- When there are gaps between joints or disintegrating mortar, you must put fresh concrete mix into the joints to seal the gaps. Apply a waterproof sealant to enhance protection against water infiltration.
- Replace Flashing- Rusted or corroded flashing cannot be repaired. Also, if the flashing is not installed properly, replacement is the best solution. It will ensure long-lasting durability with enhanced functionality.
- Clean Gutter- Remove debris from the gutter to avoid standing water. Keep the gutters clean and well-maintained.
To conclude, the way to ensure the sound structural integrity of your property and a safer living environment is to fix your leaking roof.
