Roof Leaks: What causes them and how to fix them?

Leaking roofs are one of the leading causes of people seeking out roof repairs. Bad leaks can result in water entering your home, causing mould, ruining the plaster on your walls and compromising the structural integrity of your roof. But how do we determine the cause of a roof leak and what solutions are available to fix them?

Roof leaks are caused by a wide variety of factors, including clogged gutters, damaged flashings, pests, damage from plumbing, heating or cooling systems, unsealed skylights or windows, hail or storm damage, torrential downpours, poor workmanship from tradespeople or simply the age of the roof. It can take the smallest of holes or gaps in your roof for water to start leaking into your home, and the damage can be catastrophic.

Your health could also be at risk if roof leaks aren’t addressed and fixed early on. One of these such health hazards is Black Mould. Black Mould thrives in humid, moist environments. It can cause serious respiratory issues, and it can even worsen the effects of asthma and allergies. If you see mould growing on your ceiling or walls, try to clean it off. Then, try to determine why moisture is building up in that area and look for any leaks where water may be getting in.

Roof leaks can be extremely difficult to locate, as water takes the path of least resistance. Often, the entry point of the leak is in a completely different area to where it appears on the ceiling as the water will track along the roof rafters before dripping onto the ceiling.

When searching for the source of roof leaks, start with the point at which water is entering your home and try to trace it back to the source. Remove any insulation to see whether water is pooling on your ceiling. Then check directly above it to determine whether the leak is coming from overhead. If you cannot see any holes in the roof above, check the ceiling to see if it is level and whether the water is pooling in a low spot. If it seems to be pooling in a low spot, try to find tears of water running to that spot and trace them back to the source.

In the event that you can’t find your roof leak, it would be best to call a professional roofing contractor. An experienced roofer will likely be able to pinpoint the leak back to its source and provide you with a list of options you can take for dealing with the issue. It is not always a simple fix, so attempting it yourself could be a temporary solution at best but at worst, it could greatly exacerbate the issue.

If you are having trouble selecting a licensed roofing contractor, you could use Google to search for roofing companies in your area who have the value of years of industry experience, a wealth of knowledge and a great rapport with customers. You should never sacrifice your roof for any company or contractor who does not meet these requirements. After all, your roof is arguably the most important part of your home. 

Top Glaze Roofing Systems are a licensed and experienced roofing company that have been servicing Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs since 1987. To organise a professional assessor to come out and provide a free no obligation roof report and quote for all of your roofing needs, call 1800 88 77 98 anytime.