They say April showers bring May flowers, but the heavy seasonal rain can wreak major havoc on your roof. A seemingly tiny leak can cause serious damage to the roof and the interior of your home. The water can leak behind the walls and go straight into the floors, carpeting and underlayment. The paint could start to bubble, and sitting water can cause rot and mold to develop. Plus, it can even pose a health and safety risk.
Some leaks persist undetected for months before they become noticeable during a major rain- or snowstorm. They can cause severe, lasting damage in just a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, these leaks can be hard to spot until their effects become noticeable, at which point you have a serious problem on your hands and it’s time to call for roof repair in Calgary. Check these common areas to locate and address the leak.
Damaged shingles
Damaged shingles might look harmless, but they can leave your roof vulnerable in inclement weather. Shingle damage can be caused by everything from sun exposure to wind, falling debris, hail, ice or the age of the roof. Missing or damaged shingles can easily be replaced by a roofing professional. You may need to replace the entire roof if too many shingles have been affected.
Chimney
The areas around the chimney are especially vulnerable. The chimney cover could be damaged during a significant weather event, or the crown might have developed a crack. A leaking roof could also be caused by a gap in the mortar or chimney veneer. Worn-out flashing or sealant can also be especially prone to leaking during rainy weather. The best option is to have a professional roof repair specialist identify the cause. They will then be able to address the problem, which could require replacing the flashing and shingles to create a new water barrier, or applying flexible roof sealant.
Roof vent
The roof vents allow air to circulate under the roof and into the attic to help keep the home cool in the summer and increase the longevity of the roof. It’s designed to prevent water from entering, but occasionally the rain could blow under the hood and into the vent. However, this could also indicate there’s cracking in the sealant or damage to the vent hood. Fix the problem by adding a wire screen around the outside of the hood vent to stop driving rains from penetrating.
Roof valleys
The roof valleys are located where the two planes meet to form a “V” down the slope of the roof. They can be prone to leaking during a storm, as they tend to carry a lot of rain. The valleys can accumulate debris, creating a place for water to pool and eventually leak instead of running off. See if clearing the debris solves the problem. If not, you’ll likely need a professional to re-shingle the valley and install a new ice and water shield.
Need professional assistance to identify the source of a roof leak? Reach out to Rhino Exteriors today for leak detection and roof repair in Calgary.