If you’ve noticed some water stains or damage on your ceiling and you know that there are no plumbing pipes in that area, chances are you have a leak in your roof. Detecting a leak in a flat or low-sloped roof is different than finding a leak in a regular-pitched roof. They share some information on leaks and how to find one on your flat or low-pitched roof.
Why do roof’s leak?
The obvious reason why roof’s leak is because there is an opening somewhere. There could be a tear in your roofing system caused by weather or regular aging of the roof, or a break in flashing around your chimney or vents. If you think you might have a leak, it’s best to repair it right away.
Is a leaky roof an emergency?
While you might not be in any danger, your home will be if there is water getting in. Water can cause some of the most extensive and expensive damage to a home. It can promote mildew and mold growth, which is hazardous to your health and will have to be remediated. Learn how to test for mold. It can also destroy your home’s insulation, reducing efficiency, and damage drywall, framing, trim and more. If you have a leak, get it fixed by Edmonton Roofers.
How can I find a leak on my flat roof?
If you see water stains on your ceiling, it probably means the roof is leaking. Unfortunately, the leak might not be in the exact spot you find the water stains. Water will always seek the path of least resistance, so it could be coming in somewhere else and running to that specific spot on the ceiling. Here are some tips to help you find your leak:
Clear all debris like leaves and branches from the roof so you can get a good look. Sometimes branches can break the roofing material.
Inspect all metal flashing. If you think there might be damage or a broken seal, contact a roof repair company.
Check all the vents. It’s not uncommon for leaks to occur around vents or other openings in the roof. Look for signs of cracking around vent seals.
If you have had the roof repaired in places in the past, carefully inspect these patches. Sometimes temporary fixes can fail over time.
Inspect all the seams of your flat roofing system and look for flaws or broken seals.
Look for any low spots on the roof that might hold pooling water. Sometimes leaks can occur in these spots.
If you find an area that looks to be damaged or unsealed, contact Edmonton Roofers. Below is an example of a compromised flat roof.
