The roof is one of the most important parts of your property as leakages can allow water to permeate through the whole structure of the building. If water gets in the wooden roof joists, it can cause them to rot and the problem can spread to walls, ceilings and floors. A regular inspection of your roof should be carried out to check for signs of failure. The first signs will be damp patches on the walls and these should be attended to straight away. Common failures of leakages are failure of roofing products, weathering and wind damage, roofing materials not sealing and sheer old age. Weak spots such as the flashing around chimneys and dormer windows where the roofing product has been cut to fit but not adequately sealed are also reasons for leaky roofs and special care should be taken in these areas when constructing a new roof, or making repairs to an old one. If your roof starts to leak, you should firstly examine such areas to ensure that they have remained watertight.
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Fibreglass, rubber and other products which seal the roof and make it watertight, can deteriorate with age and the weather. This is particularly true of flat roofs. Caulking, a compound which is used for sealing rubber in roofing materials, can become dry and start to crack leaving gaps for the water to enter. Ultra violet (UV) sunlight can also be the culprit for causing the caulking to become dry and brittle, again allowing water to seep through into the roof joists.
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Where there are trees around your property ensure that the branches are not rubbing on the roof or they may knock off tiles leaving an entry point for water. Ensure that you trim back the branches to at least eight inches away from the roof so they do not rub, even when it is windy. Ensure that guttering and downpipes are clear of leaves and that water can escape down the downpipe and not build up under the eaves.
The weather is the cause of much of roof damage and by its very nature the roof is constantly exposed to the elements. Wind can lift off tiles and chimneys allowing water to enter, and the sun can erode and dry out roofing products.
General maintenance and frequent inspection can help you to identify any potential problems with the roof before too much damage is caused. You will then be in a better position to carry out any roofing repairs. There are many products on the market which are easy to use to for a do it yourself solution if the job is small, ensuring that you use the correct product for the job. If the problem is more extensive you may wish to engage a roofing contractor to assess the damage and give an estimate for doing the repairs. A well constructed and maintained roof is essential to avoid expensive repairs.