Have you ever noticed a leak and wondered where on earth it could be coming from even with a healthy roof? Even the most durable roofs could be hiding damage that is worsening day by day. We'll take you through a detailed roof inspection with our project consultant, Garrett, for a home in Westlake Village, CA. The homeowner suspects a roof leak due to water damage in their bathroom ceiling. But there’s more… Watch what our team found:
The Risk in Lightweight Roof Tiles
Lightweight Concrete Roof Tiles: During a roof inspection, the first thing we notice is the materials used for your roof. For this home’s case, the roof was made of lightweight concrete tiles, which are more susceptible to cracking under pressure. Walking on this roof type carelessly or even collecting debris like tree branches on them can result in shattering your tiles.
Unfortunately, Garrett found several cracked, broken, and slipped tiles. These damages often get disregarded due to the minor appearance of damage. However, any of these compromised roof tiles can lead to bigger problems like allowing water to seep through to the underlayment, and leaving it vulnerable to getting eroded away by the sun.
The Condition of Your Underlayment
Sometimes, leaks can be a sign of a failing underlayment, the layer directly beneath the tiles whose key function is to guard your roof against water entry.
Remember: Underlayment in Good Shape = No Full Re-Roof Needed. Prevention is Key.
In this homeowner’s case, the underlayment is still black and contains its waterproofing component (asphalt), indicating it isn’t close to the end of its lifespan. This means a full roof replacement isn’t necessary, saving the homeowner significant time and money.
Why Venting Matters
Our client’s roof featured O'Hagan vents, a low-profile option that works well with solar panels, should the homeowner decide to add them in the future. These vents allow for proper air circulation in the attic, which helps regulate temperature and prevent moisture build-up – a key factor in roof longevity and the comfortability in your home.
The Roof Leaks From Failing Pipe Sealant
As Garrett moves to the leak zone, he spots the main culprit – failing sealant around a pipe above the bathroom. A strong sealant is crucial for preventing water from entering around pipes that protrude through the roof. Over time, exposure to sunlight weakens the sealant, creating a prime entry point for leaks.
The Solution: Roofing Tune-Up
So what should you do in the case of failing pipe sealants and minor roof damages? Based on our findings, we recommend a comprehensive roof tune-up. Here’s what is involved in a roof tune-up for this Westlake home:
Replacing Broken Tiles: All cracked and broken tiles are replaced with matching tiles to restore the roof's structural integrity and prevent future leaks.
Resealing Pipes: The failing pipe sealant is be replaced with high-quality elastomeric sealant, ensuring a long-lasting watertight barrier around the pipes.
Fix Slipped Tiles: The slipping tiles are re-secured to prevent them from exposing the underlayment further.
A professional roof inspection every few years can identify minor issues before they morph into major leaks and costly repairs. Inspection results like these prove the importance of regular roof maintenance, especially for tile roofs.
What To Do When You Find a Roof Leak or Damage
All our expert project consultants at August Roofing and Solar take pride in providing thorough roof inspections that help you catch the root problem as early as possible. We explain our findings in clear terms and walk you through them during our visit, so you understand exactly what's going on with your roof.
For your peace of mind, we are 100% insured for all the work we do and use top-notch materials for long-lasting repairs and keeping your roof healthy for years to come.
If you suspect a leak or notice damaged tiles on your roof, don't wait! Contact August Roofing and Solar today for a no-cost-to-you consultation below.
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