A leaking roof is one of a homeowner's biggest worries. What does the leak mean? Is a new roof inevitable? How can you prevent future roof problems?
Bill Hippard, Executive Director of the non-profit Metal Roofing Alliance answers some common question about roofing leaks:
What is considered a severe roof leak compared to a minor leak?
Any roof leak should be considered serious. Whether you have a hole in the roof that allows the elements into the attic, or just some slight ceiling stains inside the home, water getting into the house is a repair that needs to be addressed immediately. The sooner the problem is discovered and repaired, the less damage will be done. Putting off any type of roof repair, especially where leaking is the issue, will only cost the homeowner more money in the end.
What many homeowners don’t realize is that water travels through a process called “wicking,” which means that the water travels before it settles into one area. Finding the leak can be the most challenging part of the roof repair. Even if a homeowner is replacing the roof, it is still important to know where the leak is coming from. Why should you replace you roof if you have major problems with shingles (what would happen if you don’t do it?)
Not addressing a major roof problem will lead to more damage to your home. If your roof is leaking and you ignore the problem, the entire roof structure as well as the framing system can become compromised. If the ceilings become stained because of a leak, they will need to be repaired. If the leak continue the insulation will also have to be replaced. Big leak, or small drip, water in the attic is not something that can be ignored.
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Why should a homeowner choose a metal roof?
Most homeowners report they choose a metal roof because of its extreme durability. Resistant to cracking, shrinking and eroding, metal is a virtually maintenance-free roofing material that lasts. In addition, metal roofing systems can withstand extreme weather conditions including heavy snow loads, hail storms and wildfires. In fact, because they are so durable, residential metal roofs usually have long-term warranties, often up to 50 years.
Residential metal roofs are available in a wide variety of designs, textures, styles and colors to complement any type of architecture. For example, metal roofing is available in traditional vertical seam profiles or can be manufactured to resemble wood shake, slate, shingles or clay tiles.