It’s raining the whole of California at the moment, and the phones keep ringing but they are not calling for cooling and heating but ….you guessing it…for leaks of water! It’s the time to replace the tiled ceilings that are stained. The arguments and confusions over the cause and responsibility for water leaks have me thinking it would be a great idea to write about LA Roofer.

Water leaks during storms are always a challenging issue. If it’s raining and your roof is getting wet, then it’s an issue for the roofer. For commercial structures, this occurs 90 percent of the times. However, there are times when it’s not, and then we have to react. If not properly installed air conditioners on rooftops, packaged air conditioners and heaters could be afflicted by leaks of water. What is the source of the water getting to? Here’s our top 5 list:

Cracked roof seams on the platform that holds the unit.

It is the primary source of water leaks coming from HVAC units. Fortunately, it can be addressed by a roofer , however we’re often called to repair such problems. HVAC platforms are typically placed about 3 feet over the roof. The roofing material wraps vertically to cover the entire platform. The point where the roofing material is bent to become vertically, with time it will break and eventually leak. The most effective option is applying Henry’s roofing oil to the patch.

Unsafe flashing on the platform

The second most common cause is caused by a typical mistake made during installation. Platforms, as they are horizontal, must be covered with a metal cap them . The cap must overhang that roofing materials. If they don’t, then water can seep through the roofing material, and then into the store.

Exposed ductwork on roof , with leaky seams

If it is at all possible to expose roof ductwork must be avoided. It’s extremely inefficient in energy use and ductwork that is exposed to the elements can be difficult to keep water-tight. If water leaks through the seams, it could be able to flow down the ductwork into the store via the air ducts for supply. What is this.

The drain pan has been rubbed clean and/or cap on the platform

The situation becomes a bit more complicated because it’s sometimes difficult to know which direction the water comes from. Air conditioning units are placed on a foundation that is protected with the cap. A typical unit of ten tons can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. If there are regions of rust or erosion of the drain pans, it can not able to be lifted to locate the root of the issue. However, no matter how you tackle it, the cost for repair is very high, and the most cost-effective option is to speed the replacement for the appliance.

Drain pan leak

It happens! It’s pouring rain outside. Naturally, you’re thinking that the roof must be leaking , but the technician is out and, oh my! the drain pan is leaky. It’s a common scenario for roofers. HVAC technicians are fond of playing blame games in relation to commercial roof problems , so to keep it in the public record, I’ll tell you the truth here.

Understanding the Most Common Roof Leak Mechanisms

Before you attempt to fix a roof leak, you need to find the source of the water leak. A examination of the attic area will identify the source of the leak. Sometimes leaks are hidden , such as those caused by ice dams, or water leaks in the exterior siding and fascias. Leaks can be difficult to find since the source of the leak might not be located directly above apparent areas of water. The ideal time to test to determine the source of leakage is in the event of heavy rains. Visit the attic and begin near the site where the water leak is. Take off the insulation to have a clearer understanding of the area. Be aware that water travels through rafters and the chimney, so ensure you track the areas to their destinations. Try to imagine leaks using established points of reference, such as chimneys that penetrate valleys and dormer wall.

The majority of roof leaks are caused by cracked or failing asphalt shingles. Damaged, broken and missing shingles can in many instances cause water to enter the space in which they are located. If you have exposed roof decking there is a good chance that you be dealing with a leaky roof. Another main source of leaks is those flashing elements. As time passes, the home settles in different ways and can cause gaps to form around flashing details. The roofing cement is typically employed as a sealant between flashings and the penetrations. In the course of the numerous cycles of freeze and thaw, the roofing cement can become fragile and break. Cracks in the cement will ultimately result in roofing leaks. The chimney’s area is the most vulnerable area to this kind in flashing leakage. A well-designed flashing detail does not depend on roofing cement to stop water from entering.

One kind of leak has been eliminated through the modern asphalt roofing. Wind-driven leaks caused by shingle uplift during storms and heavy rains have been reduced due to the cement strip which keeps the shingles in place in place. This strip of cement creates an extremely strong bond between the roof shingles’ layers. There are occasions when imperfections in the materials make the cement strip unable to bond. If the asphalt roof shingles don’t adhere, then leakage could result. The majority, if not all, roofing material manufacturers warrant their products against these problems if the product is installed according to their recommended methods.

There are certain roofing products that can be appropriate for specific roofing requirements. For instance, asphalt shingles work well for roofs with steep pitches because they function as a shedding system. Wood shingles and slates are ideal for steep pitched roof systems. The rubber and rolled roofing materials are suitable for roofing with a lower slope. They designed to be more of an obstacle than slates and asphalt shingles.

Another of the significant issues that causes leaks in roofs is the installation of unscrupulous roofing contractors installing asphalt shingles that have a grater than the recommended exposure. Sometimes, this is done in order to save money on materials or without understanding the correct specifications for installation of the materials. A lack of adequate overlap of the materials could allow the rain that is driven by wind get underneath the shingles, causing water infiltration , which can cause damage.

When it’s time to put up a new roof, be sure to do your due diligence, and make sure you hire an experienced roofing company with an excellent reputation. Conduct your own research on what roofing materials will be appropriate for your particular roofing project. Make sure that the roofing contractor adheres to the manufacturer’s installation guidelines in full, so that in the event of any problems or defects arise, the roofing material will be covered for the warranty time.

 

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