Common Roof Leak Problems in the Aftermath of a Carolina Storm
A water stain on the ceiling from the last storm? Or perhaps you are put off by the sound of a drip in the attic and are left to wonder if it is only a matter of time before the next deluge makes it worse.
Then you are not alone in the Carolinas; one has to expect some heavy rain here. We at RoofVantage make it our business to put an end to such wondering. For over 15 years we have been of service to property and homeowners in the Raleigh/Durham/Research Triangle and the Greater Wilmington/Cape Fear country, determining the cause of their roof leaks and how best to address them. Should you need us for a leak that will not wait, we are on hand 24/7. Pick up the phone and dial 743-330-5225.
The weather in these parts is hard on a roof. From the coastal storms of Wrightsville and Carolina Beach to the kind of downpour Durham and Cary see, a roof is put through its paces. Yet in most cases a leak can be pinned on a few things. It is worth knowing what they are to avoid the expense and aggravation.
Why Your Roof Shows Its Age in Heavy Rain
You cannot say the same of a good Carolina downpour as you would light rain. The water is insistent, it will find a worn spot or a seal giving way and then some. Once inside it is not content to stay put, making its way along beams and rafters so the mark on your ceiling is a long way from where the leak is.
These are the issues we come across in the Carolinas when the rains are done:
- Shingles gone or damaged with underlayment showing
- Flashing in disrepair around a skylight, vent or chimney
- Gutters that are clogged or have run over and driven water back under the edge of the roof
- Pipe boots and rubber seals that have dried out and split
- The valleys of the roof where slopes converge and there is a lot of water to channel
- Debris and ice that will not let water drain
- Hail or storm damage to the surface that does not present an obvious hole
Flashing is the Usual Suspect
We will check the flashing first if there is a leak. This metal is what provides a seal at the junction of the roof and a wall or chimney. Let it corrode, lift or crack and the water is right through. Homeowners are often at a loss to explain a stained ceiling because from vantage point of the ground such flaws are easily overlooked.
Do Not Underestimate Your Gutters
It is easy to regard gutters as something of an afterthought. In a heavy rain however they have work to do. Clog them with leaves and you will have water backing up behind the shingles and fascia. Before you know it the wood is rotting and you have a leak with no apparent origin. Clearing the gutters is an easy form of protection.
Storm Damage That is Not Apparent
From the driveway the roof might seem in order after a storm. High winds and hail have a way of bruising the surface and loosening shingles and seals in ways that are not immediately evident. As a CertainTeed Shingle Master certified team we can tell a roof in good health from one on the way out. And being FORTIFIED Roofing partners, we inspect and build to standards that can stand up to a hurricane.
When You Find a Leak
There is no call for panic but neither should one put it off. What is a minor leak can be an expensive one in short order. Put a bucket to catch the drip and clear the area of any valuables or furniture, then have a professional take a look at the source.
RoofVantage is fully licensed and insured and we do everything from a full replacement to a single repair for our clients in two North Carolina markets, be they commercial owners, builders, realtors, HOAs or those with a short-term rental. Our clientele extends from Leland and Surf City to Apex and Chapel Hill. We can provide a free estimate and with our financing options (90 per cent approval) putting your roof right is not going to strain the budget.
If you have any misgivings about your roof or are left with stains and drips, contact us at 743-330-5225. We are available around the clock and know the weather here better than anyone; let us help you put your home or property in order before the next storm comes.
