This article can be filed under the Do-It-Yourself files. There is nothing more frustrating than a leaky roof. Here are a few guidelines to help you overcome this situation at home, should you have a leaky roof one day.

Leaky Roof? How to Tell and What to Do

It starts to rain and you see the drip, drip, drip of water coming through your ceiling. But not all roof leaks are that obvious, so how do you tell if your roof is damaged and what do you do about it?

The roofing gurus at RenovationExperts.com offer these tips on how to tell if your roof needs help and how to hire a roofing contractor to avoid an expensive, wet disaster and give you piece of mind.

What to Look For
The most obvious sign of a damaged, leaking roof is dripping water or water stains on ceilings. Keep in mind that water can travel a long distance from its source before leaving visible evidence. Stains and drips may be coming from leaking plumbing or air conditioning vents.

Mold or moisture around chimneys, vents, skylights and where roof planes intersect. Remember to feel for wet insulation around these sites.

Look for cracked and missing shingles and degraded flashing. The most common locations for roof flashing are at chimneys, eaves, skylights, ridges and where the roof meets the wall.

Check gutters and downspouts for excessive granules from shingles, a sure sign that roofing materials are degrading. Also, shingles that are blistered, curled or buckled indicate that the roof may have reached the end of its natural life.

If, after you’ve checked it over, you see your roof is damaged or if you pinpoint the source of a roof leak, it’s time to contact a roofing contractor. A leaky roof does not always require a completely new roof, but it will take a professional to make that determination. Additionally, roofing is a specialized skill and installation can be dangerous -- not a project recommended for the do-it-yourselfer.

How to Fix the Problem
Repairing or purchasing a roof is an important investment and you should take the time to evaluate any roofing contractor who may do the work.

To find and select a roofing contractor in your area, visit RenovationExperts.com, fill out one simple form with what you’re looking for and get up to four free estimates from local, pre-qualified contractors within 24 hours. There’s no obligation and you can choose who you’d like to work with. RenovationExperts.com has done the work for you so you know you’re getting a qualified, experienced and licensed roofing contractor.

While you may feel overwhelmed by a leaky, damaged roof, using a roofing contractor for a properly finished job using quality, lasting materials will provide assurance that your home will be safe, sound and dry for years to come.

Source: http://www.plazaareaneighbors.com/index.php?pageId=tls&action=article&itemId=3314