Silver Spring Roofing: Article About Detecting Leaks On A Roof
An insurance claim is a request for payment based on a policy held with an insurance company. A claim must be filed before any financial assistance is given. It is up to the insurance provider to determine if there is validity to the claim before approval.
Silver Spring roofing FAQ: Will homeowner insurance pay for a leaking roof?Homeowner insurance, like most insurance, only covers events that are sudden or accidental and not for damage that is due to gradual decline. Whether or not a leaky roof is covered depends on whether or not a claim can be filed under a certain category. For example, damage due to bad weather, like violent winds, may be entitled to a claim. This is why it is best to contact the insurance provider immediately after roof damage is detected.
The first step when troubleshooting roof leaks is to contact the designated homeowner insurance provider. They will send out a claims agent to survey the roof and document any damage. The agent should be able to determine if it is possible to file an insurance claim against the policy and have the roof repaired professionally.
If filing a claim with the insurance company isn't an option, performing the repair is an alternative. Carefully climb onto the roof, and inspect the area from where it is suspected that the leak is originating. Roof leaks can be quite challenging, and amateur repairs are most times temporary and unreliable. Roof leak solutions include sealing the leak, adding a tarp or calling a roofing contractor such as a Silver Spring roofing professional.
To detect a leak, start by troubleshooting the problem such as when the leak is noticeable. For example, the leak may only be noticeable when it rains. Examine the roof drains to check for any obstructions, which may be the cause of the problem. Also, check areas of the roof that are vulnerable to water entry, such as flashings, which are a foot or two above the roof line around the outer edges of the roof.
Other areas prone to leaks are skylights and chimneys.
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Skylights are particularly troublesome when it comes to water leaks. They should be fitted correctly with adequate drainage when installed. One of the biggest problems with skylight leaks is water overflowing the window and seeping through the gaps. To avoid skylight leak problems, get a professional to add diversions to reduce the amount of water that can reach the skylight.
Most chimneys will also experience leaks at some point. The problem with chimneys is the amount of water pouring toward the chimney resulting in water leaking into the house. This can be fixed by creating diversions. Also, use waterproofing products to reduce seepage and the speed and amount of water reaching the chimney.
The roof shape also affects where leaks form. On flat roofs, leaks are more difficult to detect because of random undulations. Flat roofs also have drains that can become obstructed and leak. An interior leak may or may not appear several feet away from the exterior area where water is entering the building. Often, the only solution is to coat the entire roof with a waterproofing agent. Pitched roofs are easier to deal with. Just visually spot penetrations in the roof, then remove and replace the broken tiles.
