Staff Blogs/News

[KAT0] Basic Knowledge of Leak Repair in [KAT1] and How to Choose a Contractor!

Hello! This is Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.!

This time, I would like to explain in detail the basic knowledge of leak repairs and how to choose a contractor!

For those living in Konan-ku, Yokohama, are you troubled by the thought, “I want to hire a repair contractor because I have a leak, but which contractor should I choose..?”

Some may think that leak repairs are simply about sealing the holes, but it cannot be handled without specialized knowledge..

In this article, we explain the reasons why leak repairs are necessary, how to identify the causes,
repair methods, and the secondary damage that can occur if repairs are not done.

We also introduce the cost range and how to choose a contractor when hiring a leak repair service, so
please use this as a reference!

If you are unsure which contractor to choose, our company, Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., also accepts leak repair requests!

Since prompt action is necessary for leak repairs, please feel free to contact us from the page below if you are in need!

Leave leak repairs in Konan-ku, Yokohama to the professionals

When you hire a contractor for leak repairs, it goes without saying that there will be a fee.

For this reason, while you can save on material costs by laying blue sheets on the roof or applying waterproof tape and caulking yourself, we do not recommend it for the following three reasons.

 

  • It is difficult for amateurs to identify the cause of leaks
  • There is a possibility of worsening the condition instead
  • You could get injured if you fall from the roof

 

For the reasons above, if you lack knowledge about leaks or feel uneasy about working at heights, please hire a repair contractor.

Three Causes That Require Leak Repair

There are many reasons why leak repairs may be necessary, but primarily, they must be addressed for the following three reasons.

 

  • Water infiltration from the roof
  • Water infiltration from the exterior walls
  • Water infiltration from the balcony

 

Understanding the main reasons for needing leak repairs will help you check for abnormalities in the building.

Water Infiltration from the Roof

There are two main types of water infiltration from the roof.

 

  • Damage or deterioration of roofing materials
  • Damage or deterioration of the parts that secure the ridge of the roof

 

Roofing materials include the materials that cover the roof and waterproof sheets, and if they shift or have holes, they can cause water infiltration.

Additionally, the ridge of the roof refers to the part where the roof meets in a peak shape, and deterioration of the nails or screws that secure the ridge can lead to rust or the ridge lifting, causing water infiltration.

Both of these issues cannot be checked without climbing onto the roof, but due to the risk of falling, it is best to ask a contractor for help.

Water Infiltration from the Exterior Walls

While you might think water infiltration occurs from gaps in the roof, it can also occur from the exterior walls, so it is necessary to check.

Currently, many homes use siding, and the main causes of water infiltration from the exterior walls can be attributed to the following four factors.

 

  • Deformation of siding
  • Deterioration of caulking
  • Rust or deterioration of metal
  • Damage to siding

 

It can be difficult to spot damage on the second floor or small damages, but for the first floor, you can visually check the condition of the exterior walls, so it’s important to do this regularly.

Water Infiltration from the Balcony

If your home has a balcony, be aware that deterioration of the balcony can also lead to water infiltration.

Balconies generally have drainage systems installed, and if they become clogged for any reason, water can accumulate, leading to deterioration of the floor and window frames.

Therefore, it is also important to regularly check if the balcony drainage is clogged, as regular inspections are crucial.

How to Identify the Location of Water Leakage Repairs

There are three methods to identify the location of water leakage repairs.

 

  • Identify visually
  • Identify by sprinkling water
  • Identify using a thermal imaging camera

 

When you hire a repair contractor, they can usually identify the cause visually.

However, if it is difficult to identify the cause visually, they will use water sprinkling and infrared cameras to pinpoint the issue.

Identify Visually

When identifying the cause of water leakage visually, check the following two points.

 

  • Location of water leakage indoors
  • Roof or exterior wall near the water leakage

 

When checking the roof and exterior wall materials, look for any cracks or peeling in the material, as well as gaps or cracks in the joints.

It is also necessary to check for corrosion on metal parts and ensure that fasteners are not loose.

Identifying by Water Spraying

When identifying the cause of leaks by spraying water, inspections can only be conducted on clear days.

Water is sprayed from the bottom to the top of the roof or exterior wall to pinpoint the location of the leak.

Since water may leak indoors during this process, it is advisable to place a bucket inside to prevent any mess.

Additionally, since water may leak after some time has passed, do not remove the bucket immediately after spraying.

Identifying with a Thermal Imaging Camera

Identifying the cause with a thermal imaging camera is conducted alongside the water spraying inspection.

A thermal imaging camera visually captures temperature in color, allowing for the identification of leak areas where the temperature is lower.

However, it may be difficult to detect temperature changes due to insulation materials, so using heating or cooling systems can make it easier for the thermal imaging camera to capture temperature variations.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. owns a thermal imaging camera, so inspections are possible!

Methods for Repairing Leaks by Location

There are various locations where leaks can be repaired, but primarily, repairs are conducted in the following four areas.

 

  • Roof Repair Methods
  • Skylight Repair Methods
  • Rain Gutter Repair Methods
  • Drainage Repair Methods

 

Understanding the repair methods for each location allows you to determine whether the contractor is performing appropriate repairs when you request their services.

Roof Repair Methods

Roof repairs are among the most common types of repairs due to leaks.

If rain leaks are caused by the roofing materials, replacing the affected parts can prevent further leaks.

However, if the damage to the roof is extensive, a complete roof replacement may be necessary.

Additionally, if the wood supporting the roof is rotting, it will also need to be replaced, which can increase repair costs.

For this reason, having a contractor regularly check the condition of the roof can help prevent leaks and avoid large-scale repairs.

Skylight Repair Methods

Leaks from skylights occur due to the deterioration of caulking, so removing the old caulking and repairing it with new caulking can resolve the leaks.

Additionally, covering the caulking area with metal sheeting can also improve the situation.

However, if not only the caulking around the skylight but also the roofing materials and wood are damaged, extensive repairs may be necessary as explained above.

Rain Gutter Repair Methods

Rain gutters are materials used to collect and drain rainwater that falls on the roof.

While damage to the gutters does not cause water to enter the interior, without gutters, rainwater can flow like a waterfall, creating noise.

Therefore, if the gutters are damaged, they should be replaced, and if they are clogged with sand or leaves, they should be disassembled and cleaned.

    ⇨⇨ For the market price of rain gutter cleaning and information about Kakeru Koumuten’s cleaning services and costs, click here!
      Construction Menu | What is the market price for rain gutter cleaning? Cleaning process and costs

     ⇨⇨ For information about the costs and plans for rain gutter replacement by Kakeru Koumuten, click here!
       Construction Menu | Costs and plans for rain gutter replacement

Drainage Repair Methods

A drain refers to the piping and cover that collects rainwater in one place, removes leaves and debris, and directs it to the sewer.

Drains can leak due to deterioration at the collection point or pipe joints.

In this case, the piping is generally replaced, but if there is damage or deterioration around the drainage area, it may also be necessary to replace the eaves or the wood supporting the building.

For this reason, let’s regularly check to ensure that the drain is not clogged.

Four Secondary Damages That May Occur If Roof Leaks Are Not Repaired

If roof leaks are not repaired, the following four secondary damages may occur, so caution is necessary.

 

  • Wood Decay
  • Termite Damage
  • Health Issues Due to Mold
  • Electrical Circuit Short

 

Once secondary damage occurs, repair costs will increase further, so we recommend addressing the issue early to keep repair costs down.

Wood Decay

If there is a roof leak, be aware that the internal wood may be decaying.

While wood decay cannot be confirmed from the outside, if there is water intrusion, the wood will be wet, creating a high humidity situation.

Additionally, the interior of the house does not receive direct sunlight, making it difficult for the wood to dry.

Therefore, if there is a roof leak, the wood is likely to decay, which may lead to high costs when repairing the leak.

If there is a roof leak, there is a possibility that the wood is decaying, so it is important to respond promptly.

Termite Damage

Termite damage, like wood decay, cannot be directly confirmed on the surface, so caution is necessary.

Termites prefer humid environments, so if the wood is wet, wooden pillars and beams may be eaten away.

Thus, if there is a roof leak, prompt action is necessary to avoid secondary damage from termites.

Health Issues Due to Mold

When the interior of the house becomes wet due to roof leaks and humidity increases, mold is likely to develop.

Mold can be toxic and may cause bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Additionally, there is a possibility of developing sick house syndrome, which may lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and pain in the eyes and throat.

Water leaks can cause damage not only to the house but also to the health of the residents, so prompt repairs are necessary.

Short Circuit in Electrical Wiring

Not only the timber gets wet due to water leaks, but electrical equipment can also become wet, posing a risk of short circuits in the electrical wiring.

If the electrical wiring shorts, it can lead to not only the malfunction of electrical appliances but, in the worst case, a fire, making it dangerous.

To prevent short circuits in the electrical wiring, it is important to promptly request repairs from a contractor if there is a water leak.

Cost Estimates for Water Leak Repairs in Konan-ku, Yokohama

When requesting water leak repairs in Konan-ku, Yokohama, the cost estimates vary depending on the repair details, as shown in the table below.

Repair Details

Cost Estimate

Replacement of part of the roofing material

¥10,000 – ¥20,000

Roof replacement (re-roofing)

From ¥500,000

Roof overlay (cover method)

From ¥400,000

Replacement/repair of ridge metal on the roof

From ¥10,000

Skylight repair

From ¥10,000

Exterior Wall Repair

From 10,000 yen

Rain Gutter Replacement

From 10,000 yen

 

Additionally, if scaffolding is required, an extra 100,000 to 150,000 yen will be needed.

By conducting repairs early, you can minimize the scope of repairs, thereby reducing costs.

However, if you delay rain leak repairs, you may end up needing to repair areas beyond the leak, which could lead to higher repair costs.

How to Choose a Contractor for Rain Leak Repairs in Konan-ku, Yokohama

There are many contractors for rain leak repairs in Konan-ku, and you may be unsure which company to choose.

Therefore, when requesting rain leak repairs, be sure to check the following three points.

 

  • Extensive experience in rain leak repairs
  • Check for warranties
  • Obtain estimates from multiple contractors

 

By confirming the above three points, you will be able to choose a contractor that will respond properly.

Extensive Experience in Rain Leak Repairs

Repair contractors often have websites where they showcase their project achievements.

Project achievements may include the following items, so check if they have performed repairs similar to yours.

 

  • Repair Details
  • Background of the Repair
  • Materials Used
  • Repair Costs
  • Repair Duration, etc.

 

Additionally, having detailed explanations of the repair work with photos provides peace of mind, as it can serve as a reference when you actually request repairs.

If you are worried about whether the contractor you are about to hire will respond properly, choose a contractor with extensive repair experience.

Check for Warranty Availability

When selecting a contractor for leak repairs, be sure to check for warranty availability.

Leak repairs can recur even after being fixed once, so if you have to request repairs every time a leak reoccurs, it can lead to significant expenses.

For this reason, if you choose a contractor that offers a warranty period, there may be cases where repairs can be done for free within that warranty period.

The warranty period varies by contractor, but it typically ranges from 1 to 10 years.

Additionally, some contractors offer after-service separate from the warranty, so be sure to check whether the contractor you are considering for leak repairs provides a warranty or after-service.

Obtain Estimates from Multiple Contractors

When requesting repairs from leak contractors, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors.

Even for the same repair costs, the details of the repairs and the warranties or after-services may differ between contractors.

Additionally, obtaining multiple estimates makes it easier to negotiate prices.

To request your desired repair contractor at a lower price, obtaining estimates from multiple contractors is essential.

If you are looking for a leak repair contractor in Konan-ku, Yokohama, please contact Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.

There are various causes of leaks, and only specialized contractors can accurately identify the specific causes.

The repair work varies depending on the cause, but generally, it is recommended to request a contractor’s assistance.

While covering the roof with a blue tarp might be something a layperson can do, it is dangerous due to the risk of falling.

Moreover, if there is a leak, the wooden materials inside the house may be damaged, which requires the expertise of a specialized contractor to address.

I don’t mean to instill anxiety, but if you postpone repairs just because the leak seems minor, there is a possibility of termite damage or health issues due to mold, so prompt action is necessary.

 

If you are looking for a leak repair contractor in Yokohama, please consider requesting Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.

Estimates are, of course, free! Please feel free to contact us anytime from the page below!

List of Areas in Konan-ku, Yokohama

Okubo, Konan-ku / Kamiooka Nishi, Konan-ku / Kamiooka Higashi, Konan-ku / Kamenagaya, Konan-ku / Kamenagaya-cho, Konan-ku / Konan, Konan-ku / Konandai, Konan-ku / Konan Chuo-dori, Konan-ku / Saito, Konan-ku / Sasashita, Konan-ku / Shimonagaya, Konan-ku / Serigaya, Konan-ku / Noba-cho, Konan-ku / Higashi Serigaya, Konan-ku / Higashi Nagaya, Konan-ku / Higezan, Konan-ku / Hino, Konan-ku / Hino Chuo, Konan-ku / Hino Minami, Konan-ku / Maruyama-dai, Konan-ku

Summary

Our company handles many roofing and exterior painting projects in Konan-ku, Yokohama. We are happy to assist with partial roof repairs such as roof overlays, roof replacements, exterior painting, exterior cladding, and leak repairs, as well as other repairs!

Yokohama is characterized by its many mountains and valleys, resulting in significant elevation differences. Because Kakeru Koumuten is well-versed in the terrain of Yokohama, we believe that residents of Konan-ku can trust us with their requests. Additionally, we are familiar with the specific warranty conditions in Konan-ku!

In urgent cases such as leak repairs, we may be able to provide temporary measures without scaffolding, so please consult with us!

Whether you want to “make it last long with a single renovation,” “keep costs as low as possible,” or “improve insulation because the indoors are hot,” we will provide the best solutions for your specific needs.

Our company specializes in exterior renovations such as exterior painting and roof overlay work!
Estimates and inspections are, of course, free!

If you have any concerns regarding roofs, rain gutters, exteriors, or exterior structures, please consult Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.!
We carry out everything from temporary scaffolding work to roofing and exterior painting completely in-house.
We are confident that we do not fall short in terms of cost, quality, and efficiency compared to other companies in exterior construction!
We welcome competitive estimates with confidence!

We look forward to your inquiries. Thank you very much.

Here is useful information about exterior renovations!

LINE consultations are also very welcome◎

We are regularly updating our Instagram◎Please follow us◎


For roofing, guttering, and exterior work and repairs in Kanagawa, contact Kakerukoumuten Co., Ltd..

AAA is a young company with an average age in the early 20s, but our technology is second to none.

One of our greatest strengths is that we can do all of our own scaffolding, roofing, and painting work. In this industry, where work is generally divided, we are able to provide a complete set of services, which saves time and effort in management and reduces costs. Above all, if there is any trouble, we will come to you right away!

We can confidently declare this. We are the youngest and most friendly renovator in Kanagawa!