Roof Leaks: Your Questions Answered

All roofs are suspectable to forming a leak. Whether it be a pitched, flat, or agricultural roof, if not properly maintained, water can begin to seep through even the most seemingly robust build.

Unfortunately, even a slow or small leak can have a hugely detrimental effect on a roof. Internal systems like electrics can get damaged due to the presence of water. Also, wood can begin to degrade, leading to a complete roof replacement if left untreated.

As one of Cork's most established roof leak repair companies, we often get asked questions on how best to avoid leaks, along with enquires on why leaks happen in the first place. To ensure these answers are easy to find, we've put together the blog below, which aims to answer the most common questions regarding roof leaks.

Why does my roof only leak sometimes?

There are many reasons why a roof might only leak sometimes. Some possible causes include:

• Clogged gutters or downspouts can cause water to back up and seep into the roof through joints or cracks.
• A poorly sealed skylight or vent can allow water to enter the roof during heavy rain or snow.
  A cracked or missing shingle can allow water to seep into the roof during heavy rain or snow.
• A damaged or poorly installed flashing can allow water to enter the roof through the joints where the roof meets the walls or chimney.
• If the roof is flat, standing water can seep into the roof.

Getting a professional roof inspection is always recommended to determine the cause of the leaks.

What causes roof leaks?

There are many potential causes of roof leaks. Some common causes include:

• Damage to the shingles or other roofing materials, such as cracked, missing, or worn shingles or damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
• Poor roof installation or maintenance, such as improper flashing or sealing around penetrations or clogged gutters and downspouts.
• Weather-related damage, such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, can cause shingles to shift, crack, or fall off or can cause water to back up the roof through clogged gutters or poorly sealed penetrations.
• Age and wear and tear on the roof can cause materials to deteriorate and lose their effectiveness over time.

Getting a professional roof inspection to determine the cause of the leak and recommend the best course of action is essential. Please call us today.

How to fix leaks in a corrugated metal roof?

There are a few ways to fix leaks in a corrugated metal roof:

• Patching: If the leak is small and localised, patching the hole with a metal patching material or sealant can be an effective solution. This method is best for small holes or punctures in the metal.
• Painting: If the corrugated metal roof is in good condition but has some rust or corrosion, painting the roof can help to seal and protect the metal from further damage.
• Replace the damaged panel: If a damaged panel causes a leak, you will need to remove the damaged panel and replace it with a new one. This is a more labour-intensive option, but it will provide a more permanent solution to the leak.
• Overlay: If the roof has several leaks, it's better to overlay the entire top with a new layer of corrugated metal.

It's important to note that, before doing any repair, it's better to determine the cause of the leak and not just fix its symptom.

Also, repairing a corrugated iron roof is a complex and specialist project that will require the services of a professional company. For a repair quote, contact our offices today.

How to stop leaks in a roof?

Stopping leaks in a roof can be done by taking the following steps:

• Identify the source of the leak: Before making any repairs, it's crucial to determine where the leak is coming from. This can be done by hiring a professional roofing company.
• Make temporary repairs: If the leak is active and significant, it is vital to make quick repairs to prevent further damage to the interior of the building.
• Permanent repairs: Once the source of the leak has been identified, permanent repairs can be made. A professional roofing company should only ever attempt these types of repairs.
• Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters, inspecting flashing and seals, and checking for damage, is important in preventing future leaks. Cork Roof Clean offers all these services at competitive rates.
• Professional Inspection: If you are unsure what the cause of the leak is or how to fix it, it's better to get a professional roof inspection.

It's important to note that while these steps can help to stop leaks in a roof, they are not a substitute for regular maintenance and professional inspections.

If you need help with your agricultural roof, please call us today. We complete roof leak repairs to the highest professional standards and are available to farms all over Cork.