5 Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks
No property owner wants to hear they have a leaky roof. Water can cause significant damage and destruction on the home if you don’t repair the leak in time. The problem with identifying roof leaks is that water can travel away from the initial spot the leak occurred, making it difficult to repair the leak. So, you will want to check your roof for common causes to identify the problem or prevent future leaks.
1) DAMAGED FLASHINGS
A roof flashing is a piece of metal underneath your shingle and on the roof joint that creates a water-resistant barrier. If your flashing is exposed, wind and rain can cause cracks, which allows in water to your roof. Exposed flashing can happen as a result of not being installed properly, or due to age.
2) BROKEN OR MISSING SHINGLES
Weather is usually the cause of missing or broken shingles. Luckily, this is an easy problem to spot, because shingles are an outside layer of the roof. Examine at your roof from the ground, especially after a heavy rain or wind storm, to identify missing shingles. If you don’t fix this problem, you’ll find water in your home during the next rainstorm.
3) CLOGGED GUTTERS
You will notice your gutter is clogged if leaves or other debris are sticking out of it. However, the most prominent sign is the lack of water coming out of the downspout when it’s raining. A clogged gutter will block this water from traveling away from the roof, which results in a rainwater increase in a particular section of the roof, resulting in leaks. Consider installing a gutter cover to keep your gutter clear of any debris so water can flow away from the roof.
4) AGE
Roofing materials deteriorate over time. Your roof expands and contracts with the change in temperature, which can make it brittle and eventually crack. Sunlight can melt tar that seals shingles together. You may want to contact a roofer to determine if your roof needs to be replaced, especially at the sign of a leak.
5) IMPROPERLY SEALED VALLEY
When two planes of the roof come together, that creates a valley. If they aren’t sealed properly, rainwater can come inside as it flows down the roof. You will want to contact an expert if this is a problem you are finding. They will likely install a leak barrier to stream water away from the roof. A leak barrier will still look aesthetically pleasing but, most importantly, will fix the problem.
Although not exhaustive, these tips are some of the most common issues you will run into when discovering the origin of your roof leak. Contact Roof X for emergency roof repair and roof inspection to further identify and resolve any of these problems – and more.
Roof X Inc. offers commercial and residential roofing for customers in Brandon, Saratoga, Tampa, and surrounding areas. We install and repair metal, tile, shingle, TPO, and more. Gutters, ventilation, and insulation are also available. Family-owned-and-operated Call us today at (844) 877-6639.
