If you live in the Austin area, April showers rarely seem to bring you May flowers. Typically, April is one of the driest months of the year with a just a smidge more than two inches of rain. May is Austin’s rainiest month – with an average rainfall that reaches just over 5 inches. Before the heavy rains start, it would be a good idea to have a licensed roofing contractor conduct a thorough inspection of your roof. This will give you a chance to identify and correct issues before the rainy season begins.
Rainy Months Can Be Bad for Roof Leaks
A roof leak can cause extensive damage to the structural components of your home and its furnishings. Drywall, subfloors and floor coverings, attic insulation, and upholstered furniture are a few items that are commonly damaged by roof leaks. However, roof leaks can also result in rotted wall studs, damaged paneling, rotted rafters and roof decking, and mold and mildew that can spread throughout the environment. You could wind up bearing unnecessary expenses, including expensive toxic mold remediation or a full roof replacement cost.
You might think that all roof leaks are the same. However, any reputable, experienced Austin roofer can tell you that there are some leaks that only show up during heavy rain. These types of leaks are virtually impossible for anyone other than a well-qualified roof contractor to detect.
What Areas Are Prone to Leaking During Heavy or Prolonged Rain?
There are many different styles of roofs and types of roofing materials. For example, roofs with asphalt shingles may have multiple valleys to channel runoff, or they may be simple gable designs that have no valleys. A licensed roofing contractor will be familiar with the weak points of all styles of roofs and their coverings. Although it is impossible to list every possible source of a leak, here are the areas that your Austin roofer will probably inspect to determine the potential for a leak.
1. Skylight: Regardless of how well a roof contractor installs a skylight, there is always the possibility for a leak to manifest during a heavy rain. Most skylights have a flat upper edge that encounters a large quantity of fast-flowing water during heavy rain. If twigs, leaves, or trash has collected along this top edge, the problem can be magnified, especially if the seals and flashings have deteriorated over time.
2. Chimney: There are a number of issues that could cause a chimney to leak during heavy rain. The sealant or flashing could be worn out, the mortar could be cracked or missing, the valley above the chimney could be poorly designed, or the chimney cover could be damaged.
3. Pipes: Vent pipes go entirely through your roof, so they can be a source of leaks if they are not properly maintained. Most vent pipes have pipe boots that encase the end of the pipe at the roof. If those boots crack or come loose, heavy rain can allow a copious amount of water to enter around the pipe.
4. Vents: Vents help circulate the air throughout the building. Most vents do an excellent job of denying access to water, but some styles can allow water to enter, especially if heavy rain is accompanied by a strong wind.
5. Gutters: Clogged gutters can prevent runoff from finding a path to the downspouts. In heavy rain, the gutters can overflow quickly, forcing water into the eaves and under the roof covering. The weight of the water can also cause gutters to pull loose from their mounting, allowing water to spill behind your siding and enter wall voids.
6. Other: Your contractor will also inspect several other features. These include the fascia boards and soffit, the roof’s valleys and ridges, and all flashing.
Alpha Roofing can help you prepare for Austin’s rainiest month. Our roofing services include roof inspections, skylight installation, chimney repairs, flashing repair and installation, roof repair, metal roofing systems, and asphalt shingle installation. We are a well-respected roofing company serving clients in many locations in Central Texas. We have an excellent reputation for providing high-caliber work and remarkable customer service at very competitive prices. Request a free quote today by submitting the online form or calling 512-777-1086.