Do you have a roof leak in Virginia that needs to be repaired? Today, whether you live around Northern Virginia or not, we will share everything you need to know about roof leaks, roof repairs, and what to do if you have a leaky roof!
Your roof is the largest feature of your home that absorbs everything Mother Nature throws at it! From hail storms to the summer sun, your asphalt shingles have to deal with a lot! Proper maintenance and care are essential, but in some cases, you might not be able to prevent a roof leak. That is why we share everything you should know about roof leaks and roof repairs below!
Why is it essential to act on a roof leak repair?
Leaks are a serious issue that can wreak havoc on both the interior and exterior of your home, costing tons of money, time, and peace of mind. A roof repair costs a few hundred dollars vs a new roof replacement can cost $10,000 or more.
Getting a roof repair fixed by being proactive as best as possible will save you from the headache of being reactive!
Common Roof Leak Signs
Water moisture that builds up due to leaks can be especially damaging as it can slowly break down the structural composition of your home, let alone spawn mold, mildew, algae, and so forth, which have their own negative health consequences.
While this might sound scary, you can quickly pick out the roof leak signs by simply keeping an eye out for the following:
- Missing Shingles: Chances are your roof type is a shingle roof. The most common sign of roof damage that can lead to a roof leak is missing shingles.
- Damaged Shingles: Sometimes spotting damaged shingles can be challenging, but curling shingles, extremely discolored shingles, or granule loss can lead to roof leaks needing repair.
- Hail Damage to Shingles: Dark circles on your roof shingles can mean hail damage, which in turn can mean a roof leak repair is needed.
- Asphalt Shingle Granules in Gutters: If you lose asphalt shingle granules at the base of your downspout, it could mean your roof is aging. Over time, your roofing material will slowly degrade, and this can lead to roof problems.
- Clogged Gutters: Want to know why gutter cleaning is vital? Clogged gutters are one of the top causes of a leaky roof! Be sure always to keep your gutters cleaned or install gutter guards.
- Vent Pipes: Any vent pipe, vent, or protruding object from a roof can be the culprit for a roof issue. Roofing cement, glue, or flashing around these areas can break down over time, leading to leaks. Flat roofs tend to have more of these issues.
- Skylights: Skylights look great, but they can cause roof leaks when installed incorrectly. If you need a roof leak repair because of a skylight, hire roofing contractors, not a handyman.
5 Ways to Help Fix Your Leaking Roof
Below, we will detail some common roof issues that cause roofing leaks and how to fix them! When you need a roof leak repair, here are some common fixes a professional roofing contractor can utilize. Here at Top Dog Home Pro of Virginia, we do not recommend you repair your roof.
In Northern Virginia, for example, we have intense summer and winter storms that can cause issues leading to roof repairs. However, you need a roofing professional to fix these issues so that the problem doesn’t lead to more significant issues. It is also worth noting that your roof warranty may cover repair costs when it comes to shingle roofs, which are most common in the Northern Virginia region.
Now, lets look at the potential roofing issues and solutions:
1. For small leaks, locate and clip your shiners!
Carpenters are responsible for nailing roof sheathing to rafters, but sometimes those nails miss the framing member, thus being called shiners. Shiners are an excellent resource for detecting smaller level leaks because moisture escapes from them and either frosts or condenses during colder temps and drips in warmer terms.
You’ll know, either way, you got a leak!
Snipping shiners will help prevent moisture from escaping into places you don’t need it to go! This is a quick and easy solution, but you often want to hire a professional roofer to do this for you so you don’t mess anything up!
2. Repair Roof Vents
Water stains in your ceiling are common signs of a roof leak. In a lot of cases, roof vents can be the reason for the leak.
Roof vents, responsible for keeping moisture out of our attic, can be especially vulnerable to leaks if compromised. Cracked foundations, missing nails, and faulty or broken seams are red flags for replacement, and truthfully, short-term methods like caulking are ineffective, to say the least. It has to be replaced in its entirety!
If replacement is needed, remove existing nails slowly and gently so as not to damage roof shingles, replace the base, substitute nails for rubber-washers screws, and finish by caulking the base between shingles.
Additionally, we will discuss it in the next section; sometimes, it is not the vent itself but the flashing near it.
3. Repair Step Flashing
Step flashing is installed at the intersection of the wall and the roof, helping to guide water away from the roof. However, the elements can break down step flashing over time, causing it to become loose or break. This spells disaster because water will flow behind it and leak into the house once it’s compromised. Yikes!
If needed, replacing is tricky and requires you to adjust the siding and remove shingles before a caulking finish can take place. Expertise is recommended due to the job’s complexity, and it is advised that professional help is called. Old flashing is a common reason for leaks so replacing with new flashing is vital if this is the issue!
4. Repair Plumbing Vent Boots (Pipe Collars)
Plumbing vent boots are typically rubber, weatherproof holders for roof vent pipes that seal the bottom to prevent leaks. However, the base, let alone the rubber, can wear down, crack, and become brittle, causing leaks.
The more straightforward solution is to invest in a new vent boot and install a new one by gently removing surrounding shingles and using rubber-washer nails if no nails are present or are compromised to secure it to its base. If the base is faulty, replace and caulk it and use rubber washer nails while salvaging the boot.
➡️ See More: Pipe Collar Repair Info
5. Protect Walls and Dormers
Windows, corner boards, and siding can be vulnerable to leaks with the persistence of the elements, penetrating through small cracks and crevices around your window and behind the flashing of your dormers. Over time, as mentioned, this poses a structural risk for mold and mildew to build up and eat at your home’s foundation.
Ensure to effectively replace flashing on dormers, sidings, and so forth, and remove and apply new coats of caulking as necessary to seal off points of contact where water can enter. Great preventative measure against pesky leaks!
6. Inspect Your Roof Deck!
The plywood on top of your trusses that your roof system is installed to is called your roof deck or roof decking. Proper roofing methods, correct roofing materials, and roofing nails when installing a new roof is vital for protecting your roof decking. The goal is never to have to replace your roof decking boards. However, in the event of a roof leak, sometimes roof decking can rot and wither. In most cases, you will not be able to spot a roof deck issue unless you hire a roofing contractor to inspect your roof.
However, be sure to keep an eye out for any roof deck issues or roof damage. Broken or missing shingles in Virginia are the quickest way to compromise your home’s roof deck, so be sure to have a roofing repair quickly in case of missing shingles.
What’s the Roof Repair Verdict?
Repairing leaks is not the easiest thing to do! It requires precision and expertise to spot and repair your asphalt shingle roof. In Virginia, leaky roofs are not something you want to leave for down the road. Procrastination is never good when it comes to your home’s roof!
Here are some key tips:
- Always look out for missing or broken shingles
- If you find roof leaks, have them fixed quickly
- Get a full scope of roof repair costs before a roof replacement
- Learn if insurance can help
However, the best thing you can do is stay proactive and periodically do proper maintenance and care so you can best avoid being in a position where leaks are prone to happen! Seek counsel from a professional like Top Dog Home Pro.
To learn more, contact the team here at Top Dog Home Pro below!
Frequently Asked Roof Leak Question:
1. Can you repair your roof yourself?
We don’t recommend using the DIY approach regarding roof leaks. Roof leaks are nothing to mess with, and a roof leak can lead to more significant issues if not corrected correctly. Water damage in a house can be catastrophic when not accounted for, so you will always want to hire a roofing contractor!
Roofing companies can also warranty their work vs DIY roofing work. In some cases, you might have to get new shingles, which can also be covered by insurance.
2. What are the most common causes of roof leaks?
Roof leaks can be caused by various factors, including damaged or missing shingles, improper installation, aging roofing materials, clogged gutters, flashing issues around chimneys or vents, and even severe weather conditions like storms or hail. The most common roofing materials are asphalt shingles and metal roofing.
3. How can I identify a roof leak?
Roof leak signs on a shingle roof can be easy to spot in some cases (missing shingles) but also hard to find (cracked pipe collar). To help, look for signs such as water stains on ceilings or walls, mold or mildew growth, peeling paint, or damp spots in your attic. Water dripping or visible damage in your living space can also indicate an active roof leak.
Regarding the exterior, signs of a potential roof leak include missing shingles, roof decking sagging, granules in your gutters, and peeling asphalt shingles.
4. How can I prevent roof leaks?
Regular maintenance is critical to preventing roof leaks. First, always keep your gutters clean, inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles, and promptly address any issues. Regular inspections by a professional can catch potential problems before they become leaks. Fix a leaking roof before the problem grows!
5. What role does flashing play in preventing roof leaks?
Flashing is a crucial component that prevents water from seeping into vulnerable areas of the roof, such as around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Damaged or improperly installed flashing can lead to leaks, so regular inspection and maintenance are essential. Flashing along with vents/pipes on your roof is the most common cause of roof leaks. Fixing a leaking roof due to flashing can be simple and quick.
6. How long does a roof repair or replacement take?
The duration to correct a roof repair depends on the extent of the damage and the type of repair or replacement needed. Minor repairs might be completed in a day, while a total roof replacement could take several days. Weather conditions can also impact the timeline for completing your roof repair. In the event of an emergency roof repair, you can have a temporary patch for small leaks until you figure out the repair costs, solutions, and insurance process.
7. Can insurance cover roof leak repairs and missing shingles?
Homeowner’s insurance may often cover repairing a roof leak, especially if the damage is due to mother nature, such as a storm or hail. It’s essential to review your policy and document the damage thoroughly for the claims process, which usually means utilizing the help of a roofing contractor. A professional roofing contractor can help you determine the extent of the damage, the possible solutions, and the best way to navigate your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Homeowners insurance will cover labor costs, replacing shingles, and some roofing repairs, but that fine print will determine that.
The Top 5 Roofing Companies in Alexandria, VA!