There is nothing worse than sitting on your living room couch and feeling a drop of water hit your forehead as you look up to see a damp spot on your ceiling. Unfortunately, this may mean that you have a hole in your roof. Sometimes, it isn’t so obvious but in this post we will go over the most common reasons for roof punctures, your next steps, and whether you should fix it yourself or hire a professional.
Common Objects That Will Puncture a Hole in Your Roof
Your roof can be punctured by many different things but there are certain culprits that stand out as the most common.
Animals- Your house is warm so, particularly on cold days, animals such as squirrels and raccoons will claw their way into your house through your roof in an attempt to get out of the harsh weather.
Trees- Another common reason that you might sustain a roof puncture is through tree damage. Whether just a falling branch or completely uprooted, trees can cause significant damage to your house.
Rot- If you live in an older house and find that you have a hole in your roof, this can usually be attributed to roof rot. As the wood and shingles age, they can begin to deteriorate, leaving holes in your roof.
What You Should Do If You Have a Hole in Your Roof
The first thing you should do if you suspect that you have a hole in your roof is to locate it. It is often not as simple as going outside and finding a hole with a three foot diameter in your roof. Most of the time, holes are much smaller so look for misplaced shingles and debris. A large hole in your roof can cost around $1000 to patch, so it is important to minimize the extent of the damage so you don’t have to worry about paying more money.
If the hole is particularly small, you may not be able to see it from the outside. In this case, you should go into your attic to look for the hole. If it has recently rained, you can look for puddles or dripping water in your attic that can indicate where the puncture may be.
Once you’ve located the hole, your next step is damage control. This includes moving or covering valuables so as not to sustain water damage and placing tarp over your roof to minimize the amount of rain that gets in.
Should You Fix a Hole in Your Roof by Yourself?
You are probably wondering what size hole is too big for you to handle by yourself. You should only attempt to patch your roof if the puncture is small and easily fixable. If there is significant damage to the decking, you should call a professional roof contractor who is experienced in repairing this kind of damage.
When attempting to fix a hole in your roof, you should always be aware of safety precautions. You should obtain some non-slick shoes, a sturdy ladder, and find a friend who can assist you.
Fix a Hole in Your Roof with First Out Roofing
If the hole in your roof proves too big of a project to take on personally, call the professionals at FIrst Out Roofing. Whether you need a hole patched or an entire roof replacement, we have the expertise necessary to get the job done right the first time. Give us a call or fill out our online form for all of your roofing needs!
