When your roof leaks and your attic gets wet, a musty odor can fill your house. This could be your first sign of roof trouble. However, you may not realize that the musty odor is coming from your attic. If the leak goes on long enough, you may eventually see a water stain on your ceiling, and then you'll realize the roof is leaking. Here are some steps you may want to take next.
Check Your Attic
You may not go in your attic too often, but it's good to check it when you think your roof is leaking. You might see wet insulation or even mold growing on the ceiling. When you look at the attic ceiling, you might see light shining through holes. If so, you know exactly where the problem is. However, it's also common for the leaky area to be hidden.
Call A Roofing Contractor
There are several reasons to call a roofing contractor for help. A roofer can locate the source of the leak, which can be tricky to do if you don't have the right equipment and experience. Plus, if your roof is still under warranty, you may need to hire a contractor to make repairs so you don't void the warranty by making repairs yourself. Also, working on a roof is dangerous, so unless you feel confident and have experience, it's often best to leave the work to a roofer.
Discuss Repairs And A Roofing Replacement
A single leak can be repaired, but if it turns out your roof has a lot of damage, such as from a hailstorm, then your roofer may want to discuss a roofing replacement. You'll need to compare the cost of repairs against the cost of a roof replacement and consider the age of your roof. Also, if the leak was caused by hail damage, your insurance company might pay for a replacement if the window hasn't closed on the time to file a claim.
Have Repairs Done
Replacing a few shingles is fairly easy since the damaged ones can be removed and replaced with new shingles. A roofer can make many types of repairs, such as covering cracks in shingles, cementing curled shingles, patching holes in flashing, and patching holes in the deck.
If your roof is still fairly new, then prompt repairs will prolong the life of your roof by keeping rain from leaking under the shingles and causing moisture problems, mold, and decay.
If it turns out you need a new roof, consider if you want the same type and color for your asphalt roofing or if you want to switch to metal or tile for a completely new look.
To learn more, contact a residential roofing contractor.
Share
