Any water stains on the ceiling from that monsoon? Or perhaps you are concerned the roof has been put through its paces by a recent flash flood. For some, it is not clear what one should be looking for once the valley has had its fill of a heavy downpour.
Since 2018 Nevada Exteriors have put those questions to rest for homeowners here in Las Vegas. We are fully licensed and insured; should you have any misgivings about your roof, we can be reached at (702)-996-4345.
For all the sunshine Las Vegas is famous for, the desert has its wet side. The kind of summer storms we get do not hold back. A sudden deluge of rain can wreak havoc on a roof if it has not been properly put together or looked after to stand up to a flash flood. What follows are the problems most often left in their wake.
Why the Roofs in Las Vegas Take Such a Beating
It is not a matter of frequency with desert rain, but the speed of it. You have roofing materials that have been baking under the sun for much of the year, which in time dries them out, makes shingles brittle and will crack sealants.
Along comes a flash flood and in an hour there is more water than we see in months. All of a sudden the roof has to shed a great deal of water from your home and fast. If the sun has done its work, many roofs are not up to the strain.
Typical Damage After a Storm
We see the same things time and again when a homeowner gives us a call following a flash flood:
- Shingles that were made brittle by the sun are now cracked or gone
- Gutters clogged or overflowing, forcing water back under the roofline
- Flashing in disrepair near the skylights, chimneys and vents
- Poor drainage on a flat roof leading to ponding
- Slow leaks that have put their mark on interior walls and ceilings
- Wind from the storm has lifted or loosened material
- Water collecting on the soffit and fascia
Flat Roofs and the Issue of Standing Water
A good number of homes in town are built with a flat or low-slope roof and they are vulnerable in a flash flood. Should the slope be off or drainage impeded, the water will pool rather than run off.
The weight of that standing water is something the structure has to bear, but time is the enemy. Given enough of it, water will locate a seam or a small crack and make its way in. We would advise an inspection of any flat roof after a big storm for just that reason.
Then There Are the Hidden Leaks
What is troubling about the damage from a flash flood is how much of it is concealed. A gap in the flashing or a broken shingle may not be apparent. Yet each subsequent storm will let a bit more water in.
Before long you have mold in the attic, ruined insulation and rotting wood. Usually by the point a stain appears on your ceiling the trouble has been festering. An early catch is invariably less costly.
When to Get Your Roof Looked at
If you are in doubt as to whether the last storm caused harm, be on the lookout for:
- Stains on the walls or ceiling you did not put there
- Pieces of shingle in the yard
- Dripping in the attic with the rain
- A mustiness in the upper rooms
- Sagging in the roof or ceiling
- Gutters pulling away from the house or running over
One of these and you would do well to have a professional put an end to your worries before another storm compounds the matter.
Be Proactive
There is no better time to address a roof issue than before the water gets in. An inspection post storm season will find the small stuff while it is still manageable and in the long run spare the homeowner some expense and aggravation.
We have a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee and our record speaks for itself with more than 100 Google reviews at 4.7 stars. Nevada Exteriors is at your service Monday to Friday, 7am to 8pm, offering prompt roof repair and a free estimate so there are no surprises.
Do not leave it to the next storm to tell you where the leak is. To put your mind at ease, ring us at (702)-996-4345 and we will see to the protection of your home.