REASONS WHY YOUR ROOF IS LEAKING
You know your roof is leaking. Maybe you see water stains on the ceiling, or it's more obvious with water dripping through the ceiling.
Before you can get the leaks to stop and repair the damage inside, you need to know what's causing the leak. Finding the root cause of the water leakage is essential to repairing it and preventing future issues.
Keep reading to learn common causes of roof leakage.
Holes
A hole in your roof is an obvious entry point for water. Nothing stops the water from flowing right into your home.
Holes can happen over time if you don't care for your roof. They can also happen suddenly if something hits your roof.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Shingles protect your roof and help the water run off of the roof to the gutters. If they're compromised in any way, they can't do their job, which may allow leaks.
Sometimes the damage starts from the beginning. Shingles or roofing that isn't installed correctly can allow leaks. Faulty roofing materials can also lead to leakage from the beginning.
Storm or wind damage can cause damage to the shingles. Heavy wind can cause shingles to blow off the roof. A fallen branch can puncture the shingles and the roofing underneath them.
Inspect your roof periodically to look for damage or missing shingles, especially after bad weather. If the roof is otherwise in good condition, you can replace the damaged or missing pieces.
Gutter Issues
Water runs down your roof and into the gutters. Leaves, sticks, and other debris can also end up in the gutter.
If you don't clean your gutters regularly, the debris builds up and keeps water from flowing. The water can build up onto the roof, where it can go under the shingles and cause leaks.
Clean your gutters at least three times per year to keep them clear. If you have a lot of trees around, you may need to clear them more often.
Old Age
Your roof eventually needs to be replaced due to wear and tear. How long a roof lasts depends largely on the roofing material used.
The common asphalt shingles you see on many houses usually last around 20 years, but some last shorter or longer periods depending on the quality of the roofing.
Fiber cement shingles hold on a little longer, lasting around 25 years.
If you have wood shakes or shingles, they should last around 30 years.
Slate, tile, and metal roofing give you the longest life before it needs to be replaced. These materials can often last 50 years or longer.
As it gets old, the roofing can become brittle and deteriorate. This prevents it from protecting your home from leaks.
Damage or neglect can shorten the life of your roof, no matter the material. If you know your roof is getting older or you haven't maintained it, the leak could be due to normal breakdown due to old age.
Damage to Flashing
Flashing is metal that goes over joints and seams to protect from leaks. But it can also be a potential cause of leaks.
Flashing that's not installed correctly can allow water to enter. The flashing may move out of position if it's not attached well.
It can also get damaged over time. The metal might corrode, crack, or otherwise get damaged and let water in.
Roof Slope Issues
A shallow roof slope or a flat roof can increase the chances of leaks. The slope of the roof helps water run off efficiently. If the roof doesn't have much of a slope, the water can slow down or pool up on the roofing material, and it may eventually leak into your home.
When your roof is leaking, you need to know why so you can fix the issue. Knowing the potential causes and what to look for helps you spot the issue quickly.
Many roofing issues that cause leaking are better left to the pros. Contact us today if you have a leaky roof.