Roofing Assist

Locating Roof Leaks Locating a roof leak can be a really big undertaking. Roof leaks can be hard to locate, and often originate in a different part of the roof from where they appear on a ceiling. Most roof leaks are hard to find because they originate away from where they show up. In order to find the source of a leak, follow a roofer’s advice and “think like water.” The first and perhaps most obvious place to look for a roof leak is directly above the leak in a ceiling or exterior wall. Examine the underside of the roof for wetness or mold around points of penetration (plumbing vents, chimneys), wherever different roof planes intersect (valleys) and near dormers. A leak away from such locations suggests a problem in the roofing material. Keep in mind that water may travel sideways before passing through a joint in the roof sheathing, and may travel in a horizontal joint before falling on the floor or ceiling. Take measurements from points inside that you can also locate from outside. If your ceiling is attached to roof rafters, as would be the case for a cathedral ceiling, all you can do from inside is take the measurements that will help you locate the leak externally, and attempt to control the damage internally. Repairing Roof Leaks Once a leak is noticed do not delay for a moment because in no time it can cause damage to anything under the roof - walls, floors, ceilings, furniture and personal items. A tiny leak can soon swell into a big one compelling the owner to replace the entire ceiling. You would be surprised how simple it is to fix many roof leaks. Often it takes a simple piece of metal flashing. You may have to slide it over a hole and up and under the shingle above. Possibly a counter flashing has rusted. Perhaps a solder joint has cracked. Do not even consider using roofing cement as a permanent roof patching compound. Did you know that it is not even supposed to be exposed to sunlight? Yes, UV rays break it down! Roofing cement is supposed to glue two pieces of shingle or rolled roofing together. It is not “roof icing” as I call it. Caulk is another temporary roofing material. Don’t be tempted to use this material. It works great on interior woodwork and tile, but not roofing materials. Roofs move a lot. Properly installed metal flashings account for this movement. Look at your roof and flashing systems. Note how they resemble feathers on a bird or fish scales. The shingle above overlaps the flashing or shingle below. If you identify a leak location, form a piece of metal to cover the leak. Then slide the metal up and under the shingles above the hole. In many instances - assuming you are working with small pieces of metal - they will friction fit. There is no need for nails to hold the metal in place. Why Consider Elastomeric Roof Repair? Stops Roof Leak: 65% of roof replacements are performed because of roof leak. This is why roof maintenance is a top priority among building owners and managers. Reflects Solar Heat: Dark colored roofs absorb daytime solar heat, then release it at night. Reflective roof coatings help trim cooling costs and reduces peak energy demand during summer. Saves Energy: Reflective roof coatings reduce rooftop temperatures up to 90%. The reduction of intake air temperatures on roof-top A/C units results in a significant heat load reduction. Cost Effective: The average installed costs for elastomeric roofing are oftentimes significantly lower than re-roofing. Combined with energy savings, this roofing system may pay for itself! Less Disruption: The entire elastomeric coating application can be completed in less than half the time of re-roofing with hardly any disruption because there is no dismantling. Versatile: Our coatings restore almost all types of roofs including metal, concrete, modified bitumen and sprayed polyurethane foam. Excellent for waterproofing concrete firewalls too!

Sources: Liquid EPDM and Liquid Rubber
Liquid Roof
Elastomeric Roof Coatings

Author: Green Fin

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Author has interest in Home Renovations Researches and Reading Materials