In Tulsa, roof leaks are among the biggest concerns of both homeowners and businessmen especially when it rains with force.
The leakages do not only occur; they may bring forth long-term structural problems and mould growth if not addressed.
In this article, we shall discuss the process of fixing roof leaks in Oklahoma City, effects of heavy rains on roof leaks, if insurances cover roof leaks as well as different kinds of products used for fixing roof leaks.
Discovering roof leaks during heavy rain
In most cases, roof leaks are found due to some visible signs and evidence of water penetration during heavy rains.
With more rainfall, water can penetrate the damaged areas on the roof like cracked flashing, missing shingles, and weakened sealant.
Within, a trickle or drops of water show up at the roofs, ceilings, windows, and any other porous mediums, marking the start of a leakage process.
However, roof leaks during heavy rain make the situation worse since the initial small leaks become more obvious and lead to internal damage growing by the day.
As such, homeowners and property occupants need to quickly locate and fix the leaking spot so as to save the building from ruins.
Steps in Repairing Roof Leaks in Tulsa
When it comes to repairing roof leaks in Tulsa, it’s important to follow a systematic approach to ensure effective and lasting solutions.
Here are the steps involved in repairing roof leaks:
Identify the Source
Firstly, locate the point that is leaking the roof.
Ensure that you look closely at the roof for visible signs of damage – such as missing/damaged shingles, cracking flashing and worn out sealant.
Another clue of the leaked point is water spots in ceilings and walls inside the property.
Temporary Measures
It’s important to make temporary repairs just if the bad weather (heavy rain) reaches the property and causes damage.
For example, a person may use roofing tarpaulins or metal sheet patches to cover the affected part and redirect water away from critical areas until a qualified builder attends to the problem.
Engage a Roofing Professional
For quality and effective repair services of a roofing, one should acquire their service from a trusted roofing expert based in Tulsa.
There are roofers who charge too little – and it can be enticing – but you should be aware as this can be a sign that they would do a bad roofing job.
Experienced contractors like Pro-Tech Roofing know exactly where the leak is coming from and what measures to employ in order to rectify it.
By doing this, they can determine if there are other required repairs or services that should be undertaken on the entire roof.
Repair or Replace Damaged Components
Having discovered the cause of the leak, the roofing specialist will then conduct a replacement and restoration procedure on the components in question.
Such may include replacing missing or damaged shingles, sealant damaged flashes, fix damaged vent boots and all other contributing structural issues that may lead to a leak.
The issues that caused the leakage should be addressed before sealing to prevent future incidents and ensure the sturdiness of the roof to last a long time.
Inspect and Test
The roofing expert will inspect the whole area to confirm the tightness of sealing and waterproofing.
It is also a vital confirmation that the leak is completely sealed to prevent another damage in the future.
Inspection may require an examination of other parts of the roof and see if there are extra dripping and holes that could be problematic.
Roof Leak Repair Products
There are several products for roof leak repairs which may be used as an immediate or long term solution according to the extent of a leak.
Sealants and Caulks:
The versatile sealant and caulk are applied for a gapped crack and seam in the roof system.
These seals are water-tight while shielding potential breakages from more invasion of water.
These come in handy when performing minor repairs such as on the flushing, vents, chimney joints etc.
Roof Patches:
Roof patches, which is meant to be only a short-term measure, can fix minor to modest roof leaks.
Sometimes, they appear as adhesive patches or tape which are used to cover up the leaking section.
During emergencies, or when prompt repairs have been deemed impossible, roof patches are helpful.
Roof Coatings:
There exist liquid coatings which can be applied upon the whole roof for protection.
They are mainly installed on a flat roof for sheilding purposes and can be helpful in making a roof water proofing.
There are various types of roof coatings such as acrylic silicone and elastomeric which offer long term protection against leaking, ultraviolet(UV) damage and weathers amongst others.
Reinforcing Fabrics:
Mostly, reinforced fabrics made of polyester and/or fiberglass are utilized together with roof coatings.
This fabric is incorporated into the coating layers to support the vulnerable points, seams or crack, thus ensuring extra strength and protection against leaks.
These products are specifically helpful in fixing large or major roof leaks.
Flashing Repair Products:
Flashings are highly important, especially on top of the roof penetrations, such as valley gutters, chimneys, and other weak locations where water ingress can happen.
Specialised flash repair services include self-adhering tapes or flashing membranes.
They are ideal for correction of leaking due to failures of flashing.
Does Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?
Insurance coverage for roof leaks depend on particular policy provisions.
Make sure you understand the specifics of what is covered under your insurance so that you can ascertain whether or not roof leaks are involved.
Policy Coverage:
Always make sure to review your insurance policy to determine which damages get insured.
You must know about the roof replacement insurance process in your area.
Usually policies cover unforeseen and accidental loss due to specific accidents like thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and falling branches.
However, it is more likely that roof leaks from such incidences would be included.
Gradual Damage:
Such damages are normally excluded from insurance policies, especially gradual ones caused by normal usage.
Depending on the specific case, a roof leak resulting due to long-term negligence, lack of maintenance, or preexisting condition may exclude coverage.
This form of insurance primarily deals with unexpected damages that are not anticipated such as gradual depreciation.
Maintenance Responsibility:
However, insurance companies tend to expect homeowners and property owners to have taken care of roof maintenance as a part of their responsibilities.
This entails inspection, maintenance, repair, and expeditiously taking care of any evidence of damage.
The insured should ensure that they fulfill these duties or else their claim might be denied for roof leaks.
Policy Exceptions:
It is essential to take note of any exclusionary or limited provisions that may be outlined in your plan.
Some policies may also include explicit provisions concerning roof leakage, including but not limited to deductible amounts, upper policy limits and specification on which types of roofs are allowed depending upon its construction and method of installation.
Claims Process:
In case of your roof leak and if you think that your insurance can cover this loss, call your insurance provider immediately.
They will take you through the claims process and decide how much you are going to be reimbursed, depending on the contents of the policy.
In this case ensure that you document all damages, photos, and evidence to support your claims so as to enhance it.
Conclusion
Roof leaks require a systematic approach that involves finding the defect, hiring professional roofers, fixing the damaged parts, and inspecting the fixed section thoroughly.
Severe rains may exacerbate roof leaks, hence prompt and adequate actions must be taken before these develop into more serious issues.
The issue with leaky roofs and coverage depends on the policy but the most vital thing would be to read your policy document.
Moreover, many roof leak repair products are also readily available, giving you the choice of either a short term fix or long-term solution.
A prompt response backed by expert help is crucial for property owners in Tulsa as they deal with roof leaks that may threaten other parts of the building.
Need Help With Roof Maintenance?
Pro-Tech Roofing services all of northeast Oklahoma, including the communities: Tulsa, Bartlesville, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Catoosa, Coweta, Claremore, Collinsville, Glenpool, Grand Lake, Inola, Mounds, Muskogee, Oologah, Owasso, Pryor, Skiatook, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Tahlequah and Wagoner.
We provide residential roofing services in Tulsa and throughout northeast Oklahoma. View a more complete gallery of Oklahoma roofing projects.
If you need roofing in Tulsa or any Oklahoma community, give us a call at (918) 250-7663 or contact us here.