What Should I Do When My Roof Starts Leaking in Myrtle Beach?

When your roof starts leaking in Myrtle Beach, catch the water with buckets or towels, move valuables out of the way, take photos of the stain and any wet spots, and call a local roofer for an inspection. Honest Roofers will find where the water is getting in and explain whether a repair will do the job.

What Should I Do in the First Hour of a Roof Leak?

Protect your home first. The roof itself can wait until it is safe and dry to inspect.

• Put a bucket or towels under the drip and move furniture and electronics away from it.
• If the ceiling is bulging with water, poke a small hole in the center of the bulge so it drains into the bucket instead of collapsing.
• Take clear photos of the ceiling stain, the wet area and anything that got damaged.
• Stay off the roof. Wet shingles are slippery, and climbing on them can make the damage worse.

Where Do Most Roof Leaks Come From in Myrtle Beach?

Most leaks start at the spots where something passes through the roof or where two surfaces meet, not in the middle of the shingles.

• Vent pipe flashings: the rubber boots around plumbing vents dry out and crack in the coastal sun.
• Missing or lifted shingles: high winds off the ocean can pull shingles loose and expose the underlayment.
• Chimneys and skylights: worn flashing around them lets wind-driven rain slip underneath.
• Roof edges: water can blow up under the leading edge of the shingles during a storm.

Where the stain shows up inside is not always where the water is getting in. Water can travel along rafters and decking before it drips, which is why a hands-on inspection matters.

Can a Leak Be Repaired or Do I Need a New Roof?

Many leaks can be fixed with a targeted repair, like replacing a cracked pipe flashing or a few damaged shingles. Honest Roofers handles roof repairs on sloped and flat roofs across the Grand Strand.

If the roof is near the end of its life, has leaks in several places, or the decking underneath is soft, patching may only buy a little time. In that case Jeremy will walk you through the options for roof replacement in Myrtle Beach with no pressure to decide on the spot.

How Can I Tell If the Leak Damaged My Decking?

Signs of decking damage include a sagging spot in the roofline, a soft or spongy feel underfoot, and dark or rotted wood visible from the attic. Leaks left alone for weeks are the most likely to rot the decking. If you have noticed several storms of dripping, mention it during your inspection. You can also read how to tell if wind or hail damaged your roof.