One of the biggest challenges homeowners face has to do with water infiltration in the roof. This can occur in many situations. From poor installation of roofing materials to aging structures, the causes vary from case to case.
The big problem of water infiltrations is not only that they can generate small leaks, but also that they can cause serious and even irreversible damage if they are not treated properly and in time by professional technicians.
Common causes of water infiltration in the roof
The most common cause is poor roof design. The location of the eaves, the materials used and the way the deck is attached to the rest of the house are important to avoid damage.
Another important factor is proper maintenance. If not checked and repaired regularly, problems will accumulate and become more complicated and more costly to fix.
Likewise, the age or age of the roof of the house is also a factor to be considered. An old or poorly maintained roof can be very susceptible to damage caused by water infiltration in the roof.
How to prevent water infiltration in the roof?
Taking preventative measures is key to avoiding water infiltration in the roof. The first step is to make sure the roof deck and drains are properly installed. Eaves should be properly positioned to divert water away from the house.
In addition, these are other details that you should take into account to avoid inconveniences due to water infiltration in the roof:
- Keep the roof clean: accumulation of leaves, branches, dirt and other debris on the roof can prevent water from flowing properly. It is important to clean the roof regularly to make sure there are no obstructions.
- Check the condition of the shingles or sheets: they can become damaged or move over time due to wind, rain or snow. It is important to repair or replace damaged ones.
- Check joints and seals: these can deteriorate over time due to environmental exposure. This causes roof leaks and, in the long term, larger infiltrations.
- Make sure the drainage system is working properly: it is important that rainwater can flow properly from the roof to the drains. This should be checked especially on flat roofs.
- Install a waterproofing system: consider installing a new waterproofing system to prevent water ingress.
- Keep trees and branches away from the roof: If you have large trees in your yard or driveway, be sure to keep branches away from the roof to prevent them from scraping or damaging shingles or shakes.
By following these measures, you can prevent water infiltration in the roof and ensure that your home is protected from moisture damage.
Tips to solve a water infiltration in the roof
On the other hand, if water infiltration in the roof has already been detected, it is essential to solve the cause as soon as possible. A professional inspector will look for the main problem and suggest the steps to take to solve it.
In cases where damage is severe, complete replacement of the coating may be necessary.
- Identify the source of the infiltration: the first thing to do is to identify the source of the infiltration. This can come from the roof, walls, windows, doors or the floor.
- Repair the source of infiltration: repair may involve replacing shingles or sheeting, sealing joints or replacing drains.
- Dry the affected area: Once you have repaired the source of the infiltration, you must dry the affected area and protect it as much as possible to prevent the formation of mold and moisture. If the affected area is large, it is recommended that you hire a professional to use specialized roof repair equipment.