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Finding the source of a roof leak could be more complex than simply detecting a wet area on your ceiling. The source of the leak is not necessarily the area where the water ends up staining the plasterboard or destroying your paintwork. Water could enter your roof from one end of your leaking roof, flow down through the insulation, and soak into a different area of your ceiling.
If your leaking roof is left unchecked, your structural timber beams, insulation, and walls could get damp, resulting in mould development and decaying timber. A leaking roof is also a fire hazard if the water comes into contact with any of your electrical sources. Not only might this result in a short circuit and even a potential house fire, but it will also significantly diminish the efficiency of whatever fire-resistant insulation you have in your ceiling.
For the most part, you will need to contact a professional roof repair firm to perform a thorough inspection and advise you on how to effectively restore your leaking tile roof, especially if the leak issue is out of control. This article will dive into how to detect leaky spots in your tile roofing and how to fix the problem effectively. Of course, some of the information is also applicable to metal roofing.
How To Repair Leaking Roof Tiles
Determine the source of the leak
Finding the source of the leak on your roof tiles is critical. Depending on the extent of the leak, you could either handle it yourself or get expert assistance. When looking for a leak, start by looking upward from the stain spots on the roof. Roof penetrations are the first thing to look for.
This is because roof penetration components are by far the most typical cause of leaks. Even on older roofs, leaks are uncommon in open sections of uninterrupted metal sheets or tiles. Plumbing, chimneys, roof vents, skylights, and any other layout that projects through your roof are roof penetrations.
Get rid of any debris
Debris could accumulate on your metal or tile roofing, resulting in more pressure. It could also prevent water from draining off your roof effectively. As a result, it's crucial to inspect your roof for debris regularly and remove it before undertaking the necessary repairs.
Roof tiles, more often than not, have a propensity for accumulating more debris than other types of roofs. The simplest way to get rid of debris on your tile roof is to remove the tiles, clean the valley, and then re-tile.
Repair the membrane
Depending on the amount of damage to your waterproofing membrane, you might have to repair it or replace it entirely. Some waterproofing membranes are primarily a sheet product that may be placed as a patch (either by cold or hot placement), while others are liquid-applied.
Liquid-applied membranes are an excellent alternative for very uneven surfaces, as well as horizontal and vertical surfaces. Because it is liquid, it is easy to mend and restore old waterproofing membranes. It simply needs to be cold-placed and left to heal, which happens quickly. Furthermore, no penetration of the waterproofing assembly is required, saving you both time and materials.
Repair any cracks in broken tiles and vent boots
Broken tiles could also result in a leak. However, the fractures might be so thin that they are invisible to the naked eye. Consequently, you must be extremely careful when carrying out the inspection. Clay tile roof cracks may be repaired quickly and easily with cement.
Plumbing vent boots can be made primarily of plastic, plastic and metal combo, or two-piece metal pieces. Check for fractures in plastic bases and damaged seams in metal bases. Inspect the rubber boot that envelopes the pipe. Water could easily enter your house through the pipe when it decays or is damaged.
If your old vent boot has any of the issues mentioned above, you should replace it with a new one. However, if the nails at the bottom are missing or have come loose and the boot is still in excellent condition, you could fix them with rubber-washer screws, commonly used in metal roofing.
Don't rely on caulk
Caulk and roof cement seldom, if ever, provide a permanent solution to a leaking roof, regardless of the roofing material. Therefore, if possible, try a mechanical roof leak repair if your roof tiles are leaking.
This entails replacing or restoring existing flashing rather than applying any form of sealant as a leak stopper. Caulk should only be used as a leak stopper in small holes and when flashing isn't possible.
Replace the broken tiles
Large fractures or damaged tiles will have to be changed to stop the leak. You will need to use a pry bar to remove the broken tiles. You could also use a hammer to assist with the removal; however, be cautious not to ruin the adjacent undamaged tiles. If your roof is very old, the tiles will likely have been sealed with mortar. If this is the case, install the new tiles and seal them with mortar.
How To Prevent Roof Leaks
The best method to avoid a leaking roof is regular maintenance and care. Preventing roof leaks is always preferable to doing leak repairs. A robust and waterproof roof is essential, primarily if you reside in an area that experiences heavy rains quite often.
Keep an eye out for any potential damage to your roof to keep it in good shape and minimise leaks. Below you will find effective methods that you could apply to prevent roof leaks:
Clean out your gutters
Cleaning your gutters is something you should do at least twice a year. When your gutters are blocked with leaves and debris, the water might overflow and leak into weak points on your roof. If you are apprehensive about scaling a ladder, hire a roof restoration company to clean your gutters for you.
Inspect for broken or missing tiles
It's advisable to regularly check your roof for any broken or missing roof tiles. Particular care should be paid to the ridge caps and penetration sealing around chimneys, skylights, and vent stacks.
Additionally, all sealants must be secure and not prone to leaks. In the event that more than one of your roof tiles is missing or broken, you should replace them as soon as possible to prevent the damage from escalating.
Make arrangements for regular inspections
As already mentioned, regular roof inspections are one of the top ways to stay ahead of a leaky roof. Therefore, consider hiring a professional contractor to examine your roof regularly. These professionals have the necessary skills and know-how to search for flaws that an inexperienced eye might miss. They can also better examine the problems.
What Causes Roof Leaks?
Age
With age, your roofing materials degrade and become less efficient at keeping water out. Over time, roofing materials could become brittle and shatter due to temperature variations and adverse weather conditions. Direct sunlight could also cause the tar that holds shingles together to dissolve, creating gaps.
Debris
Debris accumulation, such as twigs, foliage, or pine needles, could hold water on your tile roof, allowing it to seep through by capillary action. It is critical to clean your roof as needed so that water may drain off quickly. Additionally, pruning overhanging tree branches will help you keep your roof clear of debris.
Rooftop equipment
Punctures and leaks are common in areas around or near heavy rooftop equipment such as HVAC units and exhaust fans. Screws could loosen and come out due to the weight, and washers or gaskets might dry rot, creating possible water entrance sites. Additionally, hard, driving rain could seep through HVAC access panels since ventilation isn't weatherproof.
Neglect
Ignoring your roof could have devastating results. Failing to maintain and examine your roof could result in leaks at susceptible locations. Pitch pans and caulking might dry out, break, and leak. Regular inspection and resealing as needed can help to avoid leaks and more damage in the future.
Without frequent maintenance, minor issues could escalate into systemic structural problems, requiring a full re-roof or, even worse, complete structural work. This will, in turn, cost you more.
Get Expert Help For Your Leaking Roof Tiles
As you have read in this article, undertaking roof repairs requires keenness and a bit of handy work. Depending on the extent of the leak and your DIY skills, you could choose to do the repair yourself or call in an experienced expert to help out.
However, doing it yourself, in most cases, is a short-term solution to your leaking problems. That is why it is advisable to let a professional handle the case. If you need expert help with your leaking roof tiles, call a reputable roofing company near you and get help.
