Do you live in Savannah, GA or nearby in the costal region and suspect you have a roof leak? Countless reasons from clogged gutters to storm damage can cause your roof to leak, however, what you do next is critical.

Protecting your home from damaging leaks is essential to maintaining its integrity. If left unaddressed, leaks can cause significant damage to your home’s structure, leading to costly repairs. Today, Savannah Roofing Experts will walk you through the steps to identify, address, and correct roof leaks for Savannah, GA residents.

Common Causes of Roof Leaks:

Every geographical area may have different causes of roof leaks. Leaks are the most common form of roof damage, and often, in the case of the coastal Savannah region, storms are the number one culprit for roof problems.

The most common causes of roof leaks are:

1. Clogged Gutters
2. Missing Shingles
3. Storm and Wind Damage
4. Damaged Shingles
5. Cracked Flashing
6. Ice Dams
7. Hail Damage
8. Improperly Installed Skylights
9. Roof Valleys Installed Incorrectly
10. Roofing Nails (nail patterns incorrect)
11. Chimney Debris and Blockages
12. Other Roof Penetrations
13. Learn more on our roofing blog.

Ice dams will usually not cause Savanah roof leaks; storms and wind will. If you suspect you have a roof leak, you will want to follow the steps below to quickly address your roof issues before they cause even more significant problems. However, how can you identify a roof leak? Here are the signs ⬇️

Signs of a Roof Leak:

Finding out where a roof leak started and if you even have one in the first place should start with a roof inspection, but that is usually not the case. In most instances, a Savannah homeowner will notice spots on their ceiling or some form of water damage inside of their home that tells them they have a roof leak.

Internal water damage on a ceiling is often the top indicator or a roof leak but other signs could signal a leak is on the horizon or already there. Here are the typical roof leak signs:

• Mold inside
• Spots on ceiling
• Water stains
• Ceiling stains
• Broken, rusted, or missing gutters
• Curling or damaged shingles
• Missing shingles
• Damaged roof flashing
• Leaking pipe boots
• Dripping water

Once you identify a potential leak, the next crucial step is looking at it immediately. The heavy rain storms in the Savannah, GA, region means further damage is imminent if you don’t address a roof leak and find the exact location. Below are the steps to take to address your roof leak issues!

Steps to Fix a Roof Leak:

Once you notice a leak, it is time to take action. Don’t hesitate to wait to address roof issues. Your roof is the top protector of your home, and while a leak might start small, it can grow over time.

Before calling a roofing company, to be proactive, complete the following steps:

1. Contain the roof leak

You don’t need to get on your roof, but if you have dripping water or the suspected area is worsening, use a bucket, tarp, or some plastic to help contain the issue. If you notice your leak is progressing, a roof repair is urgent, and you will want to call a Savannah roofer ASAP!

2. Take pictures of internal damage the roof leak caused

To help provide clues for your roofer, take photos of the damaged area inside and if you can, the outside of your roof. While a roof inspection is often necessary to identify a leak, photos can help and it also allows you to track the leak. You can recognize if the leak is getting worse or not.

3. Relieve water pressure if there is a bulge in the ceiling

In rare cases, your leak might cause your ceiling to bulge from the pooling water. Left unchecked, this bulging can create a much larger issue, and the best way to quickly address this is to relieve the water pressure causing the bulge. Use a screwdriver to poke the lowest point of the bulge.

Be sure to have a tarp or bucket on the floor to help collect whatever falls from the ceiling. If you are unsure how to complete this, simply call us at Savannah Roofing Experts, and we can walk you through the process. ✔️ We also offer 24/7 emergency response (in order of callers).

4. Call a local roofing company for an inspection

Having a roofing contractor in Savannah inspect your roof is vital if you want to prevent leaks or find them. If you have an existing water leak or water penetration, you will need to repair your roof. However, identifying the visible signs of a roof leak is one thing; determining the source is another.

Luckily, a roofing inspection and a water test can help see where the leak is coming from on your roof. A roof inspection will also help you identify the best action to address your leak. Sometimes, a repair or a completely new roof, depending on the age of your roof, could be the answer.

5. Get your roof leak repaired ASAP

Perhaps the most important step on this list is this one: Get your roof repaired ASAP!

Roofs are designed to protect your home and keep the inside of your attic and home dry. The super wet climate of Savannah, GA means if you have a roof leak you don’t want to wait around. The potential damage can increase without fixing your roof.

To get started in the roof repair process and to address your leak, you can contact Savannah Roofing Experts here:

Other Roof Repairs

In some cases, you might not have a roof leak but you may still require a roof repair. Repairing a roof is not a DIY task and everything from replacing missing shingles to addressing a hole in your roof requires a professional roofing company. It is best to address roof repairs as soon as the pop-up and this can include:

• Repairing holes
• Replacing missing shingles
• Fixing flashing, soffit, roofing vents, pipe collars
• Removing debris from roof
• Checking underneath the roof in the attic
• Installing new rain gutters

How to find a Roofing Contractor:

Finding a reputable roofing contractor in Savannah can sometimes almost be like finding the source of a roof leak! All jokes aside, there are plenty of roofing companies in Chatham County, but how do you determine which is the best for you?

Be sure to pick a roofing company that:

• Specializes in and offers roof repairs
• Is insured
• It has an excellent reputation
• Is locally owned and operated (do not hire out-of-town roofers)
• Provide you with a written cost of estimates upfront

The Verdict –

Your house is essential. From the ground to the roof, keeping your home in tip-top shape is vital for its value and your safety. The roof is perhaps one of the most vital components to your home’s exterior protection and leaving a roof leak unchecked can cause issues from the rafters to the floors!

To protect your home from damage caused by roof leaks, a professional roofing contractor in Savannah, GA, must inspect your roof regularly. A roofer can identify potential issues and make the necessary roof repairs before they become significant problems.

Sometimes, a roofer can help you navigate homeowners insurance and even get the repairs covered by your insurance. To help you with every step of the process, let the team here at Savannah Roofing Experts help you with your roof leak! Consider it fixed when you call Derek and Co.!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you fix commercial roof leaks?

Yes, here at Savannah Roofing Experts we fix commercial roofing leaks all the time! In fact, we are the go to Savannah roof leak repair company for several property managers in the Savannah area.

How do you fix a roof leak?

Fixing a roof leak can vary depending on the source of the leak itself. First, figuring out the general area of the leak is vital to coming up with the best repair solution. Replacing missing/broken shingles, flashing, or addressing cracks is the most common solution. However, each roofing leak situation varies depending on the home and roof!

Can you repair a metal roof?

Yes, you can repair a metal roof. Metal roofs are less prone to leaking since they are installed in a large panel format; however, if they do leak, you will need to get a metal roof fixed.