Heavy rains fell in Quebec during the last few weeks of the summer. Damage resulting from water damage due to this heavy rainfall accounts for more than half of all property insurance claims in Canada each year.
Now that the weather has calmed down, it’s time to do the usual checks on your roof to prevent the common problem of water infiltration.
How does rainwater infiltrate my roof?
Water infiltration through the roof can be caused by the following:
- Gutters and downspouts blocked by organic matter;
- Worn or corrugated asphalt shingles;
- Poorly sealed roof vents;
- Accumulation of debris on the roof: moss, leaves, and dead branches;
- Unflashed plumbing vents;
- Nails sticking out of the roof.
Problems related to water infiltration
Once water infiltrates, it travels through the house’s interior walls and damages the building’s structure, causing mold, cracks in the walls, rotting of the structure, and spreading bacteria. It is, therefore essential to take the warning signs of water infiltration seriously:
- Traces of moisture on the ceiling;
- Brown stains on the walls;
- The peeling of paint on the walls;
- The presence of whitish crystals at the base of the walls.
What to do to prevent water infiltration through the roof?
Preventive actions
It is important to visually inspect your roof system twice a year in dry weather. Check the attic, the gutters, the soffits, the drainpipes, the ventilation accessories, the plumbing vents, etc. This regular inspection will allow you to detect signs of premature wear and tear, moisture or runoff inside your property before the damage is too significant.
Actions in case of emergency
- Check your gutters
Clean your gutters and empty them of their contents. This work is essential to prevent clogging and overflowing of your eavestroughs, causing water infiltration through the roof.
- Inspect the attic of your cathedral roof
Take a tour of your home’s attic. Act fast if you see water on the floor or moisture through the insulation. Sponge up the water and make sure you catch any leaks that are coming from the roof. Contact an expert roofer.
- Check your flat roof drain
Be sure to unclog your roof drain and eliminate any debris in it. Contact an expert roofer if you notice water on your roof 48 hours after heavy rainfall.
Our solution!
Whether it’s for your annual inspection, a water infiltration problem, or the complete renovation of your roof, contact our team quickly to remedy the situation. Toiture Union will help you correct the issues and extend the life of your roof.
