Exploring the Top 7 Causes of Roof Leaks
A leaking roof is one of the nightmares of many homeowners. Roof leaks are a major inconvenience and can cost a lot of time and money. They can result in significant property and structural damage and pose a severe health and safety risk to the inhabitants when neglected. Homeowners should take even the tiniest of leaks seriously to prevent them from spreading further and wreaking havoc.
As the roof is the home's first line of defense against the outdoor elements, it should always stay in top condition. Before fixing a leak to avoid problems, it is vital to discover the underlying cause. We invite you to keep reading to learn about the possible causes of roof leaks.
Improper installation
It is common for a roof to leak due to poor workmanship. Some homeowners hire inexperienced roofing contractors to save money. Leaks become inevitable when the roof flashing, vents, roof membrane, or protrusions are installed incorrectly, and faulty and improper materials are used for the roof's pitch.
Compromised shingles
Shingles lay at the top of the roof and are the easiest to inspect to identify issues. It protects the subsequent layers and aids in smooth water run-off. Among the primary reasons for a leaking roof are broken or missing shingles. Heavy rains, hail storms, or high winds can damage the shingles or blow them off. Periodically inspect the roofing system to look for cracked, missing, damaged, or curled shingles.
Damaged or faulty flashing
Flashing is a thin metal sheeting layer installed underneath shingles or around roof joints to create a watertight barrier. A roof becomes vulnerable to leaks when the flashing cracks, get damaged, or the seal breaks down due to age, impact, or fluctuating temperature.
Improperly sealed valleys
Valleys are the spot where two sloped surfaces of the roof meet and create a V. These areas are more susceptible to leaks. Damaged valley material covering, improper seal, debris, and lack of maintenance can lead to water buildup and leaks. Damp spots along the roof seams indicate a leaking roof valley.
Poor skylight installation
A roof can leak from the skylight due to improper measurement and fitting during installation or if the insulation along the skylight edges deteriorates. A cracked and damaged window is another potential leak source. Look for wet spots near the skylight top or consistent dripping around the sides of a skylight.
Backed-up gutters
Gutters clogged with leaves and debris prevents the natural flow of wain water and pools on the roof surface. Leaving standing water for too long is never ideal for a healthy roof. It eventually damages the roof structure and leads to a leak.
Overhanging tree branches
Another common cause of a leaky roof is fallen tree branches. When tall trees around the home are not trimmed or maintained regularly, they hang over the roofing system. Overhanging branches can cause cracks and holes and puncture the roof surface when they fall on it during a storm, increasing the potential of a leak.
Other common causes of roof leaks include pipe boot failure, insufficient attic insulation, improperly sealed chimney stack, roof slope issues, an aging roof, and ice damming.
Keep your roof in exceptional condition
It is best to repair a leaky roof right away to ensure your home's safety and comfort. Get in touch with a local roofing company if you suspect a leak in your roof that needs professional repairs.
Irish Roofing Company provides Scottsdale the Phoenix Valley with roof inspection, installation, sealing and repair. We offer shingle services, tile roof services, flat roof services, roof cleaning, roof inspection, roof installation, leak repair, roof recovering, roof repair, roof sealing, and wood shake services for commercial and residential customers.
