Gaithersburg Roofing: Article About Causes Of A Leaky Roof
A roof deck or decking supports the shingles or other roof material. It's usually made of plywood, and it's often protected by waterproof underlayment that sits directly under the surface of the roof.
Question for the Gaithersburg MD roofing experts from Seneca Creek Home Improvement: Does wet insulation need to be replaced?Most insulation doesn't absorb water, so it should dry out after roof repairs without needing replacement. Help things along with a dehumidifier or a fan. Be aware that cotton and cellulose insulation do absorb water easily, so any wet sections must be replaced before mold can form. Foam board insulation is water resistant, but it can trap water near more vulnerable parts of the home like walls.
Even a small roof leak can result in thousands of dollars in damage if it's not repaired quickly. The excess moisture also encourages the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause allergies and other health problems. An experienced, certified Gaithersburg roofing professional can help homeowners find any leaks and repair them before they grow. Here are some common signs and sources of a leaky roof.
Water damage on a ceiling may not be coming from a hole in the roof directly above. The water could flow down the underside of the roof deck before touching the ceiling. A leaking roof can also cause peeling paint or cracks in walls. Use a pair of binoculars to look at the roof from the ground. Check for cracked or missing shingles, sagging areas, corrosion on metal roofs, and holes made by animals. The hole causing the leak may be too small to see from the ground, so homeowners should also check for any sign of water in the attic. Leaks there usually look like dark streaks on the underside of the roof decking. Follow these streaks to find the source of the problem.
The roofing experts at Seneca Creek Home Improvement of Gaithersburg MD can assist you with any questions regarding roofing, siding or doors.
Common sources of leaks include plumbing vent pipes, exhaust flues for appliances, attic vents, and ventilation fan ducts. These spots often leak because of worn or cracked rubber boots and metal flashing. Skylights and roof windows can leak as well. Any water near the downhill side of a skylight is a sure sign that the unit is leaking.
Ice dams are caused by warm air coming from attics. It melts snow on the roof, and the water then runs down toward the cold eaves and gutters and freezes again. Eventually, the ice accumulates under shingles where it melts and drips into homes. The added weight of the ice can damage gutters and downspouts. Icicles are an early sign of an ice dam. Homeowners should insulate living spaces well and ventilate attics to prevent ice dams and help lower heating bills. People can also remove snow from the roof before it has a chance to melt.
Leaks can be caused by a worn or damaged chimney. They can also come from the flashing around the chimney. Chimneys located anywhere but the peak of a roof should have a cricket, which is a triangular structure made of metal or shingles on the high side of a chimney. It keeps water and debris like leaves from accumulating at the base of the chimney and eventually causing leaks.
