What Usually Causes a Leaking Roof?

Roof Leaks are Dangerous

Texas is known for weather that is unpredictable and strong. That weather, along with the Texas sun beating down, roofs take a lot of abuse, making roof leak repairs a year-round issue! Let’s take a look at what causes a leaking roof, and what you can do about it.

Why are roof leak repairs so important?

The following are the most common, dangerous consequences of not getting a roof leak repaired include:

• ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE
  A leaking roof will lead to pooling water on top of the ceiling and spread out where it comes into contact with electrical wiring. The wiring shorts out and leaves your home or business without power as well as creates a possible fire hazard. Having roof leak repair done as soon as possible eliminates this from happening.
• STRUCTURE INTEGRITY DETERIORATES
  A roof leak repair will help eliminate the possibility of the rest of the structure falling into disrepair from water damage, starting with the ceiling caving followed by a host of future structural issues.
• MILDEW, MOLD, ROT
  When a structure is left with roof leak repair needs unaddressed, mildew and mold can form, causing severe health conditions for those who live and work inside the structure. Damp, dark places are the best places for mildew and mold to form, causing the wood to rot and more. To avoid mildew, mold, and rot, have any roof leak repaired, no matter the size.

How much does it cost to repair a roof leak?

The cost of any roof leak repair will depend on a few factors. Those factors start with the size of the damage needing roof leak repairs. Other factors include:

• The type of existing roofing material.
• The type of damage to the roof.
• The height of the structure.
• The roof is pitched or flat.
• The time of year.
• If the roof leak repair is an emergency (nights, weekends, and holidays cost more).

How do I stop a roof from leaking while raining?

If you’re able or can have a roofing contractor come during the rain, you can make a temporary patch using a plastic tarp, 2×4 boards, and screws. Start by spreading the tarp over the damaged area and place the 2×4 boards over the tarp, creating a square around the damaged area. This is only to be a temporary roof leak repair job until you have a professional roofing contractor service the property.

Once the rain has subsided, if the roofing contractor won’t be able to get there soon, you can do a more semi-permanent roof leak repair using plywood and the 2×4 boards in the same manner as the tarp. Make sure the use a waterproof sealant over the screws and along the edges of the board to prevent leaking. Again, this is only for a temporary roof leak repair!

Are roof leak repairs covered by insurance?

When it comes to business structure and homeowner’s insurance policies, in most cases, roof leak repairs and other damages to your home or business structure will be covered by the policy. There are some policies that have exclusions to coverage though, so you want to make sure you have the coverage you believe you have before you need it.

However, if the insurance adjuster declares the hail or high wind damage that created a roof leak, repairs may not be covered if the roof was past its prime in age or had been neglected. By neglected meaning, roof maintenance and repairs were not done as needed prior to the hailstorm and high winds.

Again, review your policy every 6 months with your agent and make sure you understand what is covered and not covered. You may need to increase your coverage to get roof leak repairs covered. This coverage should include anything inside the home or business that is damaged by a leaking roof too. This is especially important for businesses where equipment or inventory could be damaged or ruined by a roof leak.

What happens if your insurance doesn’t cover the roof leak repair?

You have to pay for the repair out of pocket. That statement alone should tell you why roof maintenance is so important! If you have a professional roofing contractor inspect your business or home’s roof once a year, they will get small issues taken care of before they become a bigger problem that needs extensive roof leak repairs.

Reach Out If You Need Help

As you get a new roof installed, follow up with the contractor if they offer a maintenance program that includes cleaning and inspecting once a year. They can address any areas that look like possible roof leak repairs before they develop, keeping your business and/or home safe and secure. That extra money for this maintenance program could save you thousands of dollars later.