How to Deal with a Roof Leak

The moment you spot a water stain on the ceiling is the moment you know there could be a roof problem; like the saying goes, where there is smoke, there is fire. With the weather in Ottawa dropping, rising and building up precipitation, houses can face multiple challenges at this time of year. A roofing Kanata expert will tell you that even a small leak can lead to bigger problems later on and should be fixed immediately. So how do you know when your roof is in need of repair and it is time to bring in a local roofing company in Ottawa?

The first step, once you find a leak, is to check for damage and track down the source. Finding the source of the leak is a challenging aspect for many roofing Kanata homeowners. It is a process of elimination, as the leak could be the result of many factors and even look different on the outside. First, check the damage inside and follow it up to the attic and then outside of the house. A professional roofing company in Ottawa can spot signs of obvious damage, including missing shingles, cracks in caulking or ice dams. Ice dams are ridges of solid ice build up along eaves that can tear gutters, shingles and cause water damage, especially during extreme weather.

Other types of roof leaks can be caused by water coming through the external part of the roof or from the inside of the house with frost, condensation and poor insulation. Just like finding the source of a leak takes some problem solving, fixing the leak is also a matter of looking at the bigger picture of roofing that Kanata homeowners have to think about. A small stain on the ceiling might not seem like a big problem, but water can spread quickly. The more heat loss inside of a house, the more the frost builds up and then melts when the weather gets warmer. This can lead to leaking and cause mold in living spaces if it is not fixed.

One of the tests you can do yourself or by a roofing company in Ottawa to see if your roof is leaking, is to check the attic on a rainy day. You can also use a hose to lightly spray water over the possible leak spot to check if it drips down into the house. As well as updating your roof every few years with a reputable roofing Kanata company, there are a few possible small fixes to prevent leaks, such as roofing cement, flashing or water shields.

Be careful when you attempt to work on top of a roof. The job could be dangerous if you are not comfortable working on a roof, so it might be best to call someone for your roofing Kanata needs. If small fixes do not work, then a roofing company Ottawa representative can help assess the damage and find a solution.