If you have lived in your home for a period of time – or if you are looking to purchase an older home – you may notice discolored stains on the ceiling. While these are almost invariably caused by a leak, there are a few questions you should ask to determine if these water stains represent a serious problem for you. Even if you suspect there is no imminent issue, it is important to investigate the situation and rule out any active leaks. Are Water Stains a Sign of an Active Leak? The first thing you should determine is if the water stains you have discovered on the walls or ceiling of your home are at all damp. Although you can often feel moisture, you may wish to invest in a water moisture monitor. Either way, if there is moisture present, you can be sure that there is an active leak. In this situation, you will want to act immediately. Because water flows downward along a path of least resistance, the location of the water stains may not have a direct correlation to the location of the leak on your roof. You may be able to identify the area of the roof which is compromised from evidence in the attic – dark stains on the framing, or damp insulation, for instance. If the water stains show no signs of moisture being present during the dry winter months, you still may have a water intrusion problem. Rather than wait until the heavy rains arrive, you may wish to enlist a friend to try to locate the source of the leak. While your partner waits in the attic, run a water hose over your roof, one section at a time in order to see where the water leak is situated. Are Water Stains Ever Ok? If you are not the first owner of the home, it is possible that there was a past roof leak which was repaired – but the previous homeowner never repainted the inside walls or ceilings. If this is the case, chances are excellent that the water stains are harmless. If you are purchasing a home, ask the current owners for any history of roof repair or a new roof installation. This documentation may put your mind to rest. You should also ask your home inspector to investigate for any signs of a current water intrusion problem. You should also hire a licensed roofing contractor to come out and inspect the roof for any signs of current roof leaks or breaches. If your roof has been inspected and there are no signs of an active roof leak, you may also wish to get the advice of a plumber. This professional will be able to advise you as to if there are pipes running through the ceiling which should be checked for leaks as well. Inspect Water Stains After a Heavy Rain Event If you are unsure about the source of the water stains, inspect them after a heavy […][…]
North Port FL roof replacement
With advances in roofing materials and construction methods, your roof longevity of a new installation is now expected to be many decades. In fact, a new asphalt shingle roof may last up to 30 years or more with proper maintenance, and a clay tile roof is likely to last at least a decade or two longer. The truth is, however, that without proper maintenance and attention to our roof after storms, we may find ourselves dealing with roof problems prematurely. Here are several actions you can take to maximize your roof longevity and keep your family safe and dry for as long as possible. Extend Your Roof Longevity Take Stock of the Situation Immediately: Call today for a roof inspection. Although you may not be aware of any problems on your roof, it is not uncommon for a very small, insignificant issue to become a major problem over the course of a stormy summer season. By inspecting your roof prior to the rainy month, you can fix any minor imperfections before they wreak havoc on the condition of your roof. We recommend an annual inspection, with the optimum time for this annual check to be during the dry winter months. Repair any Problems Right Away: A loose tile or a broken shingle is easy to repair – a major roof leak may not be. Take care of any issue which may become a leak, or an area of intrusion, and you won’t have to worry about debris or water infiltrating the small breach during a severe storm. Be sure the roof is sealed and watertight now, before the first deluge when it may be too late. The more damage done to your roof, the less its structural integrity – and the shorter its likely life span. Clear Away Debris and Branches: Too much built up dirt, mold or algae can cause your roofing materials to erode before their time. These problem areas often manifest in shadier areas of your roof, so trimming tree branches back and off the roof is a great way to avoid this premature aging. Tree branches can also cause structural damage to your roof during severe weather, so keeping them as far from your roof as possible is likely to assist in maximizing your roof longevity. Clean Your Roof Gently: Sometimes even the best of intentions can damage your roof. Cleaning with too harsh of a detergent or too powerful a stream of water may cause you to damage or erode your roofing materials before their time. Consult a local Venice roofing contractor if you have any questions regarding cleaning your roof – and don’t ever step on a tile roof! This could do serious damage to your tiles in a short period of time. Ask About a Roof Coating: Some roofing materials can benefit from a roof coating, either to repel water or to reflect harsh sunlight. You may also be able to rejuvenate an asphalt shingle roof’s coating with new granules or marble chips. Be […][…]