Humans have four basic needs: food, water, air, and shelter. If your roof leaks, your shelter is compromised and requires prompt repair to keep you and your belongings protected! This guide covers everything you need to know about detecting and repairing roof leaks—it may come in handy after the rainy summer Minnesota has had!
A shingled roof is only as strong as its weakest point. Curling, cracked, or missing shingles can cause a roof leak.
Flashing is just as crucial as shingles in keeping the roof strong against leaks. Unsecured or damaged flashing can lead to leaks around roof penetrations, like your chimney or plumbing vents. Proper roof flashing also helps protect the siding from water intrusion in any roof-to-wall areas. These can help direct water away from the house in tight areas where the roof might meet the siding.
The longer water sits on your roof, the more likely it will find its way in. Clogged or damaged gutters can cause backups that lead to leaks. BD Exteriors is your source for gutter repair or installation in central Minnesota. We also install gutter covers to help ensure constant flow and prevent back-ups.
While some roofing materials have expected life spans of more than 30 years, time – and the wildly variable Minnesota weather – eventually catches up to every roof. Materials deteriorate, leaks start popping up, and you’re suddenly scrambling to repair your roof.
There are many signs of roof leaks, and most are relatively easy to spot.
Water stains on the ceiling or walls, damp spots, mold growth, or dripping water are all telltale signs of a roof leak. Pay close attention to your home so you can spot the signs soon after they appear.
It’s a good idea to periodically inspect your attic for signs of roof leaks. Additionally, after big storms, you can inspect your roof from the ground or safely climb up to the roof to check for external visible damage.
You can try to identify the source of a leak by having one person on the roof and one person in the attic. Have the person on the roof spray the area with a hose while the attic person looks for where the water starts dripping.
Another method of roof leak detection is a chalk test. If you’re not sure whether a spot on your ceiling or wall is the result of a leak, mark it with chalk and check for streaks after a rainy day.
Repairing roof leaks can be a difficult job, but it’s an important one. While some leaks are easy fixes, others are more extensive. A professional inspection can help you determine the difference. If you don’t have the expertise required, BD Exteriors is here to help! We’re your experts for roof and gutter repair in central Minnesota.
Once you’ve made your roof rain-worthy again, you’ll want to keep it that way. There are a few things you can do to help prevent future leaks or catch them soon after they happen.
You can regularly inspect your roof yourself or schedule a professional inspection with the BD Exteriors team to catch damage soon after it happens. A minor issue can result in a major leak if it’s not caught in time!
Gutter cleaning is a relatively simple task with a big payoff. Keeping your gutters clean and unclogged helps prevent roof leaks and water seeping into your basement! Be sure your contractor installs Arrow Gutter Guards! Arrow’s V-cut enhancement breaks surface tension to ensure the highest rain collection while creating a lift for shedding debris, leaving you with less maintenance.
Inspecting your attic regularly can help ensure that the insulation hasn’t slumped, restricting ventilation and causing moisture build-ups.
If you have a leak or any roof damage, our team of experts is ready to discuss your options and determine the best course of action. Whether you need roof repair, replacement, or assistance with an insurance-funded roof replacement, BD Exteriors is here to help.
Fill out our contact form or call (320) 229-2855. Our team of experts is ready to ensure your roof is in top condition, no matter the season!
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