Roof leaks are produced by a variety of issues such as missing shingles, clogged gutters, cracked flashing, and more. If left unaddressed, leaks can lead to major structural damage to your home — costing you far more to repair. If you spot a roof leak, it’s essential that you uncover and address the root cause while the issue is minor.
Read on to discover common issues that create roof leaks.
Why Roofing Systems Leak
1. Cracked or missing roof shingles
When your asphalt shingles get brittle, they may break or detach from your roof, causing a roof leak. Asphalt shingles can also go missing due to high winds.
How to prevent this problem – Every spring, fall, and after major storms, grab a pair of binoculars and step away from your roof to inspect it thoroughly. If you spot broken or missing shingles, have them replaced promptly to prevent leaks.
2. Clogged gutters
Gutters are made to channel water away from your home. When they become clogged due to falling leaves, dirt, granules, or other debris, water may tend to back up into your roof decking, which can contribute to roof leaks.
How to prevent this problem – Clean your gutters out every spring and fall to keep them flowing freely. For an even easier long-term solution, install gutter guards that will allow water to enter your gutters freely while keeping debris out of them.
3. Storm damage
Severe storms can blow through the area and cause significant damage to your roof, including roof leaks. High winds, hail, snow, and fallen debris can lead to holes in your roof that can bring damaging moisture infiltration inside your house.
How to prevent this problem – When storms pass through the region, immediately check your roof for any issues that may have popped up as a result. If something major ever happens — like a tree falling on your roof — it’s vital that you contact a roofer promptly to have it tarped until they can repair or replace it. If water already made its way to your home interior, the faster you can contact a water restoration company to remediate, the more probable it is that you won’t incur unhealthy mold growth.
4. An aging roof
Asphalt shingles last about 20 years when they are installed properly and maintained well over the years. As your roof gets older, the oils in the asphalt (that allow them to expand and contract as the temperatures change) dry out. This can cause your shingles to crack, curl, or break — which can lead to roof leaks.
How to prevent this problem – There’s nothing you can do to keep time from making your roof older, but if you stay up to date on regular maintenance and repairs, you can expect it to live out its lifespan.
5. Cracked flashing
Flashing is in place to protect your roof from water damage from rain, sleet, or snow. Flashing is located where two dissimilar materials meet on your roof — like where your chimney meets your shingles. If flashing falters, your roof will begin to leek.
How to prevent this problem – Check your flashing periodically to ensure it is properly sealed.
6. Skylight leaks
Skylights are a practical way to gain more natural light in your home, but they are a common cause of roof leaks.
How to prevent this problem – Ensure your skylights are fitted and installed correctly by a professional to bypass the possibility of roof leaks.
7. Improperly ventilated attic and roof
It’s essential that you have adequate intake and exhaust vents in your attic and roof. A lack of airflow in your attic can lead to mold, rot, and condensation in your attic and lead to deterioration of your roof deck. This can open the door to costly roof leaks that easily go unnoticed since they started because of your attic’s lack of ventilation.
How to prevent this problem – Soffit vents are vital to bring outdoor air into your attic. Roof vents such as a ridge vent are important to allow air to flow out of your attic. By ensuring your house can “breathe” with proper ventilation, you can help prevent roof leaks.
8. Incorrectly sealed valleys
Your roof valleys — where two sloped roofs meet — are made to help water flow off your roof. But if they aren’t sealed well, a roof leak may be the result.
How to prevent this problem – When you have your roof replaced, be sure to find a reputable roofer who will install it to perfection. Find someone who is licensed and insured, and check Angi, the BBB, online reviews, and with the roofer’s previous clients to ensure you will get the lasting results you deserve from a new roof.
9. Chimney damage
If your chimney is cracked or damaged, water may seep through and cause significant harm to your home (including structural damage) if left unnoticed.
How to prevent this problem – Early detection of chimney damage is of vital importance if you want to avoid costly roof leaks.
10. Ice Dams
Ice dams are caused when snow melts on an upper, warmer part of your roof and then water flows down to the colder eave overhang where it refreezes. As ice accumulates, it blocks additional snow from flowing off the roof. If left unnoticed, ice dams can create significant roof damage. They can cause structural rot, mold and mildew in your roof, gutters, paint, insulation, attic, and drywall.
How to prevent this problem – Proper ventilation prevents ice dams.
Fortify Your Home with a Beautiful New Roof
Don’t settle for roofing that leaves your home vulnerable to leaks. Strengthen your home’s defense against the elements with a beautiful roof replacement. At Porter Family Exteriors, we are a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor. We install Timberline HDZ Shingles that have advanced algae protection technology, giving your home greater protection from unsightly algae growth. Learn more about how our roofing services can enhance your home’s beauty and value while safeguarding it from the elements.
