Do I have to Replace my entire roof if its leaking?
The last thing anyone wants to do is wake up one morning and notice that their ceiling is wet or see a roof leak form during a rainstorm.
It can be rather depressing, and it will probably leave you wondering if you can fix the leak or if you'll need a complete roof replacement.
There's no easy answer to this question, and the steps you'll have to take after noticing a leak will depend on the leak and the extent of your damages.
However, you need to act quickly no matter what because a small leak can quickly turn into a massive problem.
Early intervention can be the difference between repairing a simple leak or replacing your entire roof.
If your roof is leaking, you need to act fast.
In the article below, we will discuss whether or not you may need to replace your entire roof after discovering a roof leak.
Contain Your Leak
If you notice an active leak dripping from a bulge in your ceiling, or there is discoloration on your ceiling, you probably have water pooling on the other side of the bulge or dark spot.
If your roof is dripping, gran a bucket or a trash can and place it under the drip.
Now you want to grab an old screwdriver or something sharp and locate the center of the bulge.
Once you've found the center, make a puncture right in the middle.
It may seem like you're making things worse when you puncture the hole, but you'll be allowing the water to drain smoothly and relieve pressure on the rest of your ceiling.
If too much water accumulates and pools, your entire ceiling could collapse.
This can be tricky, but if you think you know where the leak is coming from and can safely get to the source, you can cover it with a large tarp.
If you can't reach it or you aren't comfortable doing so, you can contact your local roofing contractors for help.
A roofing expert can visit your home and inspect your roof from the outside and from inside of your home through your attic.
Inspecting the underside of your roof for signs of roof damage can uncover signs of water damage, but it isn't a foolproof method so inspecting the roof for damage is needed as well.
Check out a related blog: Should You Get New Gutters if You Are Replaceing Your Roof?
When The Shingles Can Be Replaced
Sometimes a roof leak can be fixed by replacing a few shingles, especially if you act quickly.
However, you will need to act quickly to ensure that your roof remains in good condition.
If your shingles are cracked or torn they can be replaced individually.
If the crack or tear is minor, they may not even have to be replaced and could be fixed using a roof sealant.
If you notice that some shingles are missing pieces, the entire shingle will need to be replaced.
This usually happens if debris is blown onto your roof, causing pieces of your shingles to break off.
If your leaky roof is missing entire shingles, they need to be replaced right away.
When you have missing shingles, your roof becomes vulnerable to the elements, especially wind and rain.
A minor leak will quickly turn into a huge issue if this isn't remedied.
WInd can get under the surrounding shingles and cause further damage, and rain can leak into the areas where the shingles are missing.
When The Entire Roof Must Be Replaced
Every now and then, every type of roof, from tile roofs to metal roofs, has to be replaced by roofing professionals after you've noticed a leak.
If your asphalt shingles are between 20 and 25 years old, they are at the very end of their lifecycle, and you should consider replacing your entire roof if you notice a leak.
If you don't, you may find yourself constantly replacing shingles and making repairs.
Curled shingles are often a sign that they are past their life expectancy.
When shingles curl, they will leave your roof exposed to wind and rain damage.
If you notice granules in your gutters or downspouts, that may also be a sign it's time to replace your entire roof.
Roof granules help keep UV rays from penetrating the asphalt coating.
Contact TK Roofing and Gutters
Finding a roof leak can be frustrating, and having your roof fixed or repaired isn't always the most exciting home improvement task.
However, it may be the most essential one.
Regular inspections after heavy rains are necessary to check for any potential leaks.
Roof leaks that are left untreated can weaken the structural integrity of your roof and be very costly in the long run.
If you want to avoid a premature roof replacement, it's time to look for a local roof repair company.
Finding quality roofers to work with will save you money, especially in the long run, because they will do the job right the first time.
The TK Roofing and Gutters team has been fixing roof leaks in Ohio for years and has extended the lives of countless roofs.
They can fix any damaged areas you've noticed, and they'll check for other weak spots to prevent future leaks.