Although the Arizona monsoon season has come and gone without much rain, the winter months are approaching, and you can expect some rainfall in the coming months. When your roof leaks, the water can damage all kinds of things in your home, depending on the severity. If it’s severe, it can pour water into the interior of your home, which puts you at risk for ruining your belongings or causing water and moisture damage that could lead to mold and a need for new insulation to be installed.
You may see bubbles or blisters on your ceiling resulting from the leak. Poke a hole using a pin into the bubble to release the water. Make sure to have a bucket to catch the water. If you cannot repair the leak, calling for professional roof repair in Phoenix is critical to prevent further damage.
5 Main Reasons Arizona Roofs Leak
1) Cracked Flashing
Cracked flashing and metal sheeting around your skylights and chimneys are the most frequent causes of leaks. This is because your flashing will probably wear out long before your roof.
2) Cracked or Broken Shingles
Missing, broken, and cracked roof shingles can cause leaks. The good news is they are easy to find and replace. Cracking can occur due to wear and tear, hail, monsoons, age, and severe storms.
3) Valleys Lacking Sealant
The areas of your roof with two slopes connecting at the bottom are called valleys. Since water often pools in these areas, especially if you have debris from critters, a sealant helps prevent leaks. If your sealant has loosened or was not applied correctly, you can experience a leak after a storm.
4) Clogged Gutters
If you haven’t yet, you need to purchase and install gutters on your home. Gutters direct the flow of water away from the roof. When clogged, the answer as to how to deal with a leaky roof becomes cleaning your gutters. If you have not cleaned your gutters recently, a leak close to your gutters can cause water to back up under your shingles.
5) Wear and Tear
As time passes, protective granules can be lost from your shingles, resulting in a leak. Leaks can also occur if you frequently walk on your roof to get a frisbee or fix issues with your satellite dish. How to deal with a leaky gutter means you should only walk on your roof when necessary or risk the possibility of replacing your entire roof.
A good option is to call a professional roofer to evaluate your roof, inspect your attic, find your leak, and make any repairs required.
Potential Problems Caused by Leaky Roofs
The most common issues you will experience from a leaky roof include all of the following.
• Mildew and mold appearing on the inside of your home
• Your possessions are damaged by water
• Wasted energy increasing your utility bills
• Possible health issues due to mold
• The structural integrity of your home is compromised
• Damage to both your ceiling and attic
DIY Fixes for Leaky Roofs
Securing Curled Shingles
When your shingles curl back, you can use asphalt roof cement or an equivalent to resecure your shingles. Some options are brushed on while others require a caulking gun. Make sure a generous amount of the material is applied to your shingle’s underside when making repairs. The corners and edges must be secured before your press down to set. If you are unsure about the condition of your shingles, have them inspected before resecuring them. JBS Roofing offers shingle inspection in Phoenix for homeowners that need a professional assessment of their roof.
Rotten, Missing, and Cracked Shingles
Before you remove any shingles, make sure you have replacements on hand. Removing a damaged shingle is relatively simple. Begin by lifting the surrounding shingle’s edges, then use a pry bar to remove the nails securing the shingle as gently as possible. Your shingle should easily slide out once you have removed the nails. Any protruding nails must be removed in addition to scraping away the residual cement.
Fix Flashing
Metal flashing surrounding your dormers and chimney can result in a leaky roof. In this case, how to deal with a leaky roof involves filling your caulk gun with roofing cement to reseal the joints. If the same joints have been damaged in the past, there will most likely be a roofing cement line. Use your putty knife to apply a new coat.
Roof Leak Repair Sealants
Water dripping from your ceiling can be overwhelming. You need to purchase a roof sealant specifically for the weather conditions in Phoenix, Arizona, to make sure your roof receives the correct type of protection. This includes protection from heavy rain, sunlight, heat, and monsoons capable of damaging your roof joints.
Average Cost to Repair A Leaky Roof
Your average cost to repair your roof in Arizona is generally between $450 and $1,500. Your cost is dependent on the type of roof and extent of the damage. The average price for the most common types of roofs is defined below.
• $450 to $1,500 for metal roof leaks
• $450 to $1,000 for composite roof leaks
• $450 to $1,000 for slate roof leaks
• $450 to $1,000 for tile roof leaks
• $450 to $1,000 for wood roof leaks
• $450 to $1,000 for asphalt roof leaks
• $450 to $1,000 for flat/foam roof leaks
• $850 to $1,500 for an inadequate roof pitch
• $450 for leaking gutters and flashing
• $450 for vertical slits
• $450 for missing shingles
• $450 for a leaking chimney or skylight
If you need help regarding dealing with a leaky roof, Jim Brown and Sons can be contacted today by visiting info@jbsroofingaz.com or simply call 623-247-9252
