Leaks Again? Read How to Control Them
If you think that appliance leakage is a nightmare, wait till you have roof leak problems. That’s even worst! The minute you see discolorations on the ceiling or start searching for buckets to collect water dripping from the roof, you’d better act quickly. Roof leaks can become a major problem because they will cause irreparable ceiling damage and make the structure unsafe. Water can land in your property through window frames and sidings as well. Lack of property maintenance takes its toll since it can lead to leak control and prevention of further problems.
Why roofs and windows leak
Water travels fast and penetrates tiny cracks. It’s often very difficult to detect the source of leak. Roof leaks are often caused when shingles are missing, broken or damaged. They are also caused when gutters are clogged or cracked and roof flashing is poorly sealed or ruined.
Let us explain. When it rains, water landing on your roof must find a way down on earth. That’s why we install gutters and eavestroughs. Water should travel through these fixtures and land on earth through the downspout. If joints around chimneys are not sealed well, water will find its way through cracks. The same thing happens with old caulk around windows and doors. So both roof repair and window caulking are extremely important.
How to control leaks to prevent problems
The best water leak control and prevention method is maintenance. The exterior part of your house must be examined by experts every year. We have a tendency of making home improvements indoors and forget that the internal condition highly depends on the property’s exterior condition. After all, the external part of buildings wears faster due to its direct exposure to elements. It’s only natural that gutters would clog from over-accumulation of leaves. But if they are not unclogged, water won’t find its way off the roof. By examining the roof, sidings, doors and windows annually and by doing the necessary exterior repairs, you won’t have leak problems.
The effects of leaks
When water is trapped on the roof, it will travel in different directions. It will affect the condition of soffits and fascia and travel through cracks into your home destroying the shingles and the insulation material. Whether water travels through the roof or windows, it will rot materials and enable the growth of mildew. It will also cause ceiling damage with potential disastrous results. Think about it! With water rotting framing and ceilings, the structure won’t be stable and thus not safe.
Mold is also a serious issue. It won’t only grow due to water leaks but also due to air leaks. That’s why caulking well your windows is essential. If not, air will enter your home and conditioned air will escape. In other words, you will lose energy. It can create moisture that will eventually lead to mold growth. And mold is totally unhealthy. You need to control ventilation and prevent water and air leaks in order to enjoy healthy indoor air quality, cut energy costs and avoid the catastrophic effects of leaks. So check your property today.