Here in New Orleans, we know a few things are true. First, Mardi Gras is everything. Second, it’s always a great day when the Saints win. And third, it can be bright and sunny one minute, and pouring down rain the next.
Many New Orleans homeowners and commercial building owners assume that because their roof is newer, that it won’t leak. Think again.
There are many reasons – often related to our local climate and architecture – that make both home and commercial building roofs leak. The question is – does your property have 1 of the top 3 factors that contribute to leaky roofs in New Orleans? Read on to learn more.
1. Flat Roofs Offer Slower Drainage and Increase the Chance of Leaking Roofs
Here in the New Orleans area, there are some homes, and many commercial buildings, with flat roofs. It’s just a part of the style of architecture that has been used in our area.
But did you know that your flat roof may be a roof leakage disaster waiting to happen?
When you have a flat roof, it takes longer for all rainwater from our summer storms to drain. Oftentimes, the flatness of a roof causes rainwater to pool and collect. And where standing water collects, it tries to seep – into your attic and/or the interior of your building!
If you have a flat roof – especially an older one that has weathered it’s fair share of storms, it’s time that you call out JOI Roofing for a roof inspection to determine if your roof’s waterproofing is still sufficient.
2. Pitched Roofs Can Have Their Waterproofing Compromised
You might think that because pitched roofs drain water faster and more easily, that they’re less susceptible to leakage. Think again.
Y’all, let’s be honest here. Even unnamed storms in New Orleans can drop inches of rain in just a matter of hours. That’s a lot of rainwater for even the newest roof to repel! Heavy storms, especially when they come in clusters, can cause rainwater to seep underneath your home or commercial building’s pitched roof and leak into its substructure. And when that happens, disaster hits. You start having interior leaks, and you might even notice the ceiling drooping.
Remember that old saying your grandma used to tell you, “A stitch in time saves 9?” That’s definitely true when it comes to preventing major roof leakages. Get your pitched roof inspected on a regular basis, and if necessary, have additional waterproofing performed to prevent it from turning into a catastrophe later.
3. Rain, the Occasional Icy Winter, and Tree Leaf Debris All Make New Orleans’ Roofs Leak
Whether you’ve got a flat roof or pitched roof, one thing is undeniable: the weather is just downright weird in Louisiana! In 2017, there were sneaux days here in the deep South where we’re known for our heat, humidity, bayous and alligators!
Even when you factor out the unusual cold fronts we get from time to time, there’s no denying that we get more than our fair share of rain and wind storms, which leave both water and leaf debris on home and business roofs.
And if you have gutters, let’s just be honest: when was the last time you cleaned them?
Whether it’s the collection of water and leaves on roofs, or gutters that are clogged and not properly draining rainwater from your roof, these elements can make any New Orleans roof more likely to have water damage and leaking.
If you haven’t cleaned your gutters in a while, do it this weekend. And if you have leaves or branches on your roof, schedule a roof washing to clean them from the surface of your roof. You’ll thank yourself when your neighbor’s roof springs a leak this summer, but yours doesn’t.
Call JOI Roofing in New Orleans for More Tips on Preventing Roof Leaks
Whether you think your roof may be experiencing one of these huge leak risk factors, or you’re just ready to have your roof inspected for some peace of mind, we’re happy to help. Call us today to discuss your needs at (504) 733-0331.