Having a roof leak in your home can cause all sorts of damage. From water damage on the ceilings and walls to damages to electronics in the home and even the furniture. Some home owners will attempt to fix a roof from the inside of the home but is this a good idea? We’ll take a look at why this may not be the best method for roof repair in your home and also discuss what you can do if you need a roofing contractor in Ann Arbor Michigan as well.
Can You Fix a Roof from the Inside of Your Home?
When a roof is leaking there are many different causes and each can present an entirely different roof repair. It’s difficult to determine the exact fix that your roof will need without really getting all the details of the situation. In this article we’ll discuss some of the more common roof problems and steps that many people take when attempting to fix a roof from the inside of your home. This article is more focused on residents in Michigan with Ann Arbor specifically addressed in this article.
What Type of Roof Do You Have?
The type of roof you have on your home can really help determine if you can fix a roof from the inside. Here are some of the more popular roof types in Michigan today
- Asphalt shingle roofing
- Metal roofing
- Rubber membrane roofing
- Tile roofing
There are a few more types of roof covering but these are generally the most common. These roofing materials can be used on sloped or flat roofing applications as well. Asphalt shingle roofing materials on a sloped roofing surface is the most common roofing system in use in Ann Arbor Michigan today and metal roofing is a fairly distant second place. Most roof repairs that are done from the inside are performed on metal roofing. This is usually because the roofing material is accessible from beneath.
Asphalt shingle roofing materials on a sloped roofing surface is the most common roofing system in use in Ann Arbor Michigan today and metal roofing is a fairly distant second place. Most roof repairs that are done from the inside are performed on metal roofing.
In order to fix a roof from the inside on an asphalt shingle roof you’ll first need to go through a layer of wood then a layer of felt or under-layment before you ever gain access to the problem area of the roof. Applying a sealant or some type of sealing patch the the wood will only be temporary roof repair and not permanent. As water saturates the wood it will start to rot and can even lead to mold growth in the attic where the roof is located.
Look Above the Leak to Find the Source of the Leak
If you’re using a technique to fix a roof from the inside you’ll want to look above where the roof is actually leaking. Many times the damaged part of the roof is above the area where water is entering the home. It’s usually at a seam in the roof decking where the water enters the home. Usually this span is 4 feet or less but can be longer spans. Look for areas of damage and moisture even if the entire roof decking is saturated with water. Nail holes and seams in the decking are prime spots for water to penetrate the roofing system. If you do plan on attaching a roof repair on the inside of your home be sure to use a sealant that is water proof and can be applied wet. This is especially true if you are doing temporary repairs on your home’s roof.
Always Use a Roof Contractor for Permanent Roof Repairs
Although it may seem like an easy task to fix a roof from the inside, it’s really not. Proper roof repair takes experience and specialized trained in order to be done correctly. If your roof is leaking it’s best to use a qualified roofing contractor in Ann Arbor to do the repairs. It’s simply not worth the damages that can occur if the roof repair doesn’t hold up over time. One of the best roofing contractors in Ann Arbor is Ann Arbor Remodeling Contractor which offers free estimates on roof repairs as well. Talk with them about your roof today by calling (734) 619-1271
