Having a leaking roof right after a roof replacement can be a very frustrating event, however, before you come to any conclusions, first you need to know why your new roof is leaking. From rains to winds, and tornadoes to extreme heat, there could be many reasons why your new roof may be leaking.
Let’s find out why your new roof is leaking:
Before you have a roofing contractor install a new roof on your home, they must present to you what the process is going to be, perhaps they will explain the tear-off process, then installing the underlayment, shingles, etc., also, your roofer should also explain to you about any contingencies before the installation so that you’re not left in the dark in case something goes wrong.
Let’s cover some of the most common reasons why a new roof would start leaking:
Poor workmanship is the most common reason of why a new roof would leak. Some homeowners go with the cheapest roofer, but they most of the time, the cheapest roofers are going to cut corners on the installation process. The cheapest roofer is not actually cheaper, it means more stress and money flushed down the toilet because of reasons like these!
An inexperienced contractor may finish the job in a hurry, leading to leaks or cracks in the process. Leaks originating from improper installation include holes alongside the roof flashing, not changing damaged roof flashing, not replacing rotted decking, installing too many roof vents, etc. So, the moment you identify a roof leak, find out whether the installer was a novice or a professional.
Contact the roofer that installed your new roof and ask why your new roof is leaking, if the roofer cannot determine why your new roof is leaking, you may have to contact another roofer within the same company or perhaps the owner of the roofing company.
The fascia and soffits are integral to your structure of your roof. They play a vital role in keeping your home looking good and to provide air flow into your roof. Plus, they accentuate the exterior of your house. However, if there is any holes or cracks in your fascia and soffits, this could eventually lead to water leaking into your home.
However, as explained before, your roofer should always talk to the homeowner about any issues that may arise such as the soffits or fascia, which is connected to the roof.
When a roofing company installs a new roof, many homeowners believe that a leaking roof may arise from a problem in the shingles themselves, however it could be from not caulking or sealing openings around the plumbing jacks and water heater vents that are on your roof.
If this may be the reason why your new roof is leaking then your roof is not compromised and all you need to do is to get your roofer to caulk or sealing up those areas, because that should be included in the service of replacing a roof.
If it seems like your new roof was installed correctly, then it may the roofing materials themselves. While the chances of your new roof shingles being defective is slim, it can happen, however on most roof warranties, defective roofing materials are generally always warrantied, so make sure to contact your roofer to check your leaking roof.
The last thing to do when your roof is leaking is to repair or patch up the leaking area as soon as possible, don’t do that, try to access the problem and contact your roofer to inspect the leaking area. Some folks even start yelling at the installer, however you don’t want to do that because that won’t resolve the trouble. On the contrary, the roofing company may delay the fixing tenure due to your wrong behavior.
So stay calm when you suspect a roof leak. Yelling at the roofer who installed your roof will only raise your blood pressure and stress levels. Control yourself and try to collect as much info about the issue as possible and get a professional to inspect your leak.
Try to find the problem area. Head over to the attic and see signs of light coming through the roofing. Those spots can indicate the source of the leak. Note down the locations of the holes. If the structure isn’t too tall, climb to the top to detect the source of the roof leak. Make sure you put on protective gear to avoid injuries.
Next, determine the severity of the trouble. List down the number of leaks and find out how large the holes are. Your homework will let you explain the problem to the expert and save time subsequently.
When you see water seeping within the house, clear away your clothing, photos, and furniture beneath the problem area. Also, remove items from the attic until the issue gets fixed. If you detect leaks near electric components, cover those sockets and plugs with plastic or tarp to keep water from falling into the electrical parts and wires. Place the bucket/buckets underneath the leak.
Get containers or buckets to hold the dripping water. Don’t follow a DIY guide to block the suspected leaks. If you do that, you’ll repent later. Sooner or later, the issue might get punctuated and lead to a major disaster. So make sure to contact your roofer to address the roof leak.
The moment you identify leakages, take pictures of the problem area. Having solid proof ensures that the roofer and the insurer will understand the severity of the issue. Not just that, your little bit of legwork will help the roofer to identify where the actual problem is and how to mend it. As well as minimizing hassles, it’ll ensure the problem gets fixed in less time.
Since roofs are usually covered by a warranty, you can have most issues fixed free of charge. Just call the roofing company. Anything that’s covered by the warranty terms will be dealt with. What if a particular cause of the leak isn’t covered by the warranty? What if the installer has disappeared? If so, you may want to contact a reputable roofing company to access the damage if your roofer doesn’t not respond to your messages.
Check reliable roofers in your area. Compare their quotes and portfolio to make the right choice. Once chosen, the company will send trained servicemen to fix the problem. They’ll identify the issue, get to the root of the problem, and fortify it effectively.
A new roof that is leaking can pile up on your nerves and be stressful, but just remember to stay calm and follow this guide. Instead of wondering why your new roof is leaking identify the cause of the issue. Check possible reasons for a roof leak and take appropriate steps to avoid the punctuation of the problem. Above all, call a reliable roofing expert to address the trouble and enjoy peace of mind.
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