Sometimes, everything is going right. You’re having a day where your hair falls just right, it’s a cozy rainy day, and you have nothing to do except snuggle up with a cup of cocoa and a good book. Then all of a sudden, you hear it.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Yup, that’s right. You’re dealing with a roof leak. Roof leaks come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one clear thing in common: they are very stressful.

The key to a roof leak is to act fast. That means you need to repair it and repair it now before your home starts to suffer from the side effects of water damage.

In today’s post, we’ll teach you:

• How to identify the source of a roof leak ????
• How to fix a roof leak ????
• When to call a professional roofing contractor ☎️

CAN YOU DO A DIY ROOF LEAK REPAIR?

If you’ve stumbled upon this blog post while searching through Google, we’re willing to bet that you are considering tackling this roof repair on your own. But can roof leaks really be effectively repaired with DIY spirit and a little elbow grease? It depends.

There are many different types of roofs on the market, and each of them requires specific installation and repair methods. Some roofing materials, such as metal or slate, require specialized tools that the average homeowner just won’t have access to.

If you are determined to fix a leaking roof on your own, we recommend starting with an asphalt shingle roof. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used on U.S. homes, and they are also the most DIY friendly, as they are relatively easy to replace.

SIGNS YOU NEED A ROOF REPAIR

• Your Roof Is Relatively New – While the life expectancy of a roof will vary widely depending on the materials chosen if a roof is still within its expected lifespan, it is a good candidate for roof repairs.
• Minor Damage – Things like dents, cracks, or missing shingles can indicate a larger problem. However, if the roof deck is intact and this is a one-off issue caused by extreme weather, you will likely be able to repair just the damaged area.
• Small Leaks – Roof leaks can indicate a large problem, but often they can be traced back to a specific area and issue that can be solved with a simple repair.

SIGNS YOU NEED A ROOF REPLACEMENT

• Reoccurring Roof Leaks – While a single roof leak may not be cause for major concern, if roof leaks are a reoccurring problem in your life, you may need a new roof.
• Damaged Roof Deck – A roof deck is the foundational layer of your roof. When it becomes damaged from water damage, not only can it no longer effectively protect your home, but it also becomes at risk of collapse.
• Age – All roofs have a life expectancy that changes depending on the materials that you choose. If you are dealing with roofing issues and your roof is on the older side, it may be time to think about a roof replacement.

ROOF LIFE EXPECTANCY BY MATERIAL

Choosing a roofing style can feel intimidating. That’s why we’ve broken down the most popular roofing materials on the market, as well as how long you can expect them to last.

ASPHALT SHINGLES

We’re going to take a guess and say that your roof has asphalt shingles on it. Or if it doesn’t, then you’ve lived in a home that does at some point in your life. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material on the market and are known for their affordability and versatility.

Despite all that, they also have one of the shortest lifespans on this list. On average, asphalt shingles only last for 15-20 years.

WOOD SHINGLES

When it comes to creating a beautiful exterior, there are few things we like more than a roof covered in rustic-looking wood shingles. Whether you choose to purchase them in shingle or shake form, a wood roof is a great way to add character and charm.

While wood shingles typically last for 20-30 years, a lot depends on proper maintenance. In fact, a wood roof is one of the most maintenance-heavy roofs and requires care in order to prevent rotting and pest infestations.

WHEN TO CALL IN A PROFESSIONAL

While we support homeowners who want to care for their own properties, we also think it’s worth noting that the safest option is always to hire a professional roofer to assist you with your roof repairs.

Repairing a roof always comes with inherent risk. After all, you are working at a significant height. If you feel even a little bit unsure about your ability to work safely, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Additionally, hiring a roofing contractor can help give you peace of mind. Professional roofers know all about roof leak repairs and can help you to find solutions that last. A DIY roofing repair can actually create more problems for you if it isn’t done correctly. Improperly installed shingles can allow more water to damage your roof and require a roof deck patch down the line.

ROOF MAINTENANCE TIPS

Want to continue to keep your roof leak free in the future? It all comes down to proper maintenance. Here are our best tips to keep your shingles in great shape!

• Clean Your Roof – It’s natural for leaves, twigs, and other debris to build up on your roof in the course of a year. And while it may not look like that much of a problem, it can majorly impact the flow of water off of your roof. Oftentimes, this debris can act as a sort of dam, causing water to pool on your roof. Making sure to regularly clean off your roof will help to maintain its longevity.
• Don’t Forget the Gutters – The same basic principle applies to your gutters! We recommend cleaning out your gutters at least twice a year to promote water flow and avoid ice dams. It also may be a good idea to invest in gutter guards in order to keep debris out of your gutters in the first place. 
• Trim Trees – Hail storms aren’t the only thing that can cause impact damage to your shingles. Falling tree branches can also cause a lot of damage! It’s a good idea to regularly trim the branches that hang above your roof line to avoid hurting your shingles.
• Schedule a Roof Inspection – A professional roof inspection is the best way to catch roofing issues in the early stages. We recommend talking to your local contractor and scheduling an annual roof inspection to help nip problems in the bud.

WORK WITH THE BEST

When it comes to caring for your roof, no one does it better than Anchor Point Roofing! With years of expertise under our belt and the best customer service in the industry, you can count on us to help fix your leaking roof correctly and efficiently. Contact us today to receive a free quote on your roofing project!