A roof leak can start out as a mere nuisance, but it can quickly escalate into a full-blown structural catastrophe if not dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner. Some of the most common signs of a leak include: · Ceiling stains · Peeling paint · Sagging wallpaper · Mold and mildew · Damp odors If your leak manifests any of these symptoms, quick and decisive action can prevent you from having to spend thousands of dollars on costly water damage repairs. To find the source of a leak, you’ll have to get on your roof to do a visual inspection. Never climb on your roof if it’s raining or even damp, as these conditions can pose a slipping hazard. Use a stable ladder and make sure someone else is either watching or knows what you are doing ahead of time. Rubber-soled shoes are the best kind to wear during roof inspection as they work to increase your traction. Leaks caused by ice dams During the winter, a possible cause of roof leaks is the buildup of ice dams. Ice dam leaks will manifest themselves near exterior walls and are caused by water getting backed up by ice beneath shingles. The trapped water will follow the path of least resistance to release its pressure—namely, through a loose seam or nail in your roof sheathing and down into your drywall. To prevent these types of leaks, shovel your roof after heavy snowfall or install heating coils along your roof eaves. Home Improvement News Brought to You by [URL]http://bartonroof.com/[/URL] Sources: [URL]http://www.startrightstarthere.com/maintenance_and_repair/roofs_and_gutters/first_aid_for_roof_leaks.aspx[/URL] [URL]http://specialsections.suntimes.com/homes/7637878-555/roof-leaks-can-lead-to-big-problems.html[/URL]
