Most Austin roofing leaks materialize at the most inopportune time, like in the middle of a severe rainstorm. There is no need to panic. Any kind of inspection or correction cannot be performed until after it stops raining.

The first thing you need to do is collect the water that is dripping in your home. You will want to place a rag or towel on the floor under where the water is dripping. This will keep the water that is splashing out from contacting the floor. Then put a bucket or some type of container under the drip to catch the water. Now you need to clean up the water that is on the floor. Unfortunately, you have to continue constant vigil over your container, making sure to empty it as it fills.

After the rain quits is when you want to find the place where your roof is leaking. The point of the actual leak will probably not be exactly over where the water was dripping into your home. Except for the very obvious, the average house owner does not have the experience or trained eye to locate most roof leaks.

Now is the time to call in a qualified Austin roofing contractor to assess and pinpoint the problem. Austin roofing experts have the equipment essential to access your roof and a trained eye to pinpoint particularly where your leaks are occurring.

If you are one of those folks that insist on doing your own inspection then use the following tips and hints on how and where to start looking for leaks.The most common problems can occur around flashings and in valleys. Another source of leaks can be due to damaged or worn roofing material.

Roof penetrations at plumbing vents and chimneys should be the initial place to start looking for possible problems.

The vertical slits in composition shingles are notorious for wear and/or deterioration.Skylights are also notorious for leaking. Closely inspect all joints, flashings, and caulking around the skylights.

You will need to closely inspect valleys for cracks, holes, damage, and deterioration of the shingles and/or flashing.

Step wall flashing will be where a roof extends adjacent to a vertical wall.  Part of the flashing is laid up on the wall, as the other part gets covered by the next row of shingles. Although some roofs extend against a wall, others end where a wall has been constructed. This is identified as a head wall. In this case, head wall flashing must be installed to channel water streaming down the wall, away from the stopping point of the shingles.

This flashing could be behind wood siding, or in front of a brick wall. The flashing should extend over the shingles by three inches, at least. If the wall consists of masonry or brick, the flashing ought to curl and continue an inch into a mortar joint.It is always an excellent idea to investigate your roof before a leak. Regular roof inspections can prevent future problems, especially after wind or hail storms.Once again, it is emphasized that if you do not have the skill to detect present or potential problems on your roof, and the required equipment, you need to speak to a professional Austin roofing Pro to do your inspection.You will notice that most professional Austin roofing contractors will do a thorough roof inspection for you and at a very nominal cost or in some cases, at no cost.