Roof leaks, no matter how small, can cause significant damage to a home. For this reason, as soon as you notice a leak, you must get it fixed straight away. Many issues that result in roof leaks are easily repaired if they are noticed on time.
At Mates Rates we have fully qualified and experienced plumbers in Sydney that can help you out. They will come and assess the damage and repair it before it gets worse. Below is a guide that you can use to find a roof leak and fix it.
Tell-tale signs of a roof leak
Water stains that go along your ceiling or run down your walls are a sign that you probably have a roof leak. Unfixed roof leaks can lead to mould, damaged ceilings, rotted framing, and sheathing destroyed insulation. When you are looking for a roof leak, start by identifying any water stains and follow them to see where they may come from. If you have an attic, go up there and look for mould, black marks, or water stains. Leaks can also come from penetrations like chimneys, piping, or roof vents.
How to fix common leaks
Plumbing vent boots can be damaged and result in a roof leak. You need to check a plastic base for cracks and if you have a metal base, check for a broken seam. You must also check the rubber boot that surrounds the seam to see if it is rotted or torn.
If you have any of the problems mentioned above, you need to purchase a new vent boot to replace the damaged one. Roof vents can also be damaged and lead to leaks. Plastic roof vents can have cracked housings that can be caulked temporarily while waiting to replace the damaged vent.
Water does not always enter the shingled surface. Dormer walls have lots of places where water dribbles and can enter the roof. Cracked or old caulk may not be doing a good job sealing against the adjoining surfaces. You need to use a knife to see if the caulk is fully sealing the area.
If you have any suspect caulk, replace it with high-quality caulk. Look for missing, cracked, or rotten siding and replace it. while doing this you must make sure that the new piece that you put in overlaps the step flashing by at least 3 centimeters.
How to deal with complex roof leaks
There are other more complex roof leaks that are not so easy to fix. These require the services of an experienced plumber.
At Mates Rates Plumbing we have a team of fully qualified and experienced plumbers that will be able to resolve the issue for you. Our plumbers are able to fully inspect any roof for a leak and fix it so that it is as good as new. Call us today!
