Leakage in the roof tops is one of the most annoying roof issues encountered by house owners. It cannot only cause expensive water damage but also make your house vulnerable to structural damage and discomfort. Understanding the common complaints that can lead to roofs leaking and the strategies that you can implement to remedy these situations can save you some money in the future.
Instead of talking about it in the abstract, here is
a closer look at what causes roof leaks and, more importantly, how you can
avoid them.
1. The Most Recurrent Causes of Roof Leaks
There are quite a few causes of roof leaks, although
most of them can be avoided by regularly maintaining it and taking the
necessary action in time. The most common causes are the following:
Split or Missing Shingles
Shingles cover your roof against rain, wind, and
objects. When damaged, loose, or absent, any water can come in direct contact
with the underlayment and create a leakage. This normally occurs due to storms
and strong winds.
Clogged Gutters
Leaves, dirt, or any other objects that would clog
the gutters would not promote healthy drainage of water. This causes it to
trickle under the ends of a roof or fascia board and leak inside your dwelling,
causing dampness and water damage.
Cracked Flashing
Flashing is the metal that makes wrap-seals around
seams and edges around objects like chimneys, vents, or skylights. Flashing
cracks or lifts can cause water to trickle in and settle in your home
undetected until it damages your property.
Bad Rooftop Work
Inadequate, poor-fitting methods may cause several
problems. Loose shingles, improperly aligned underlayment, and poor-quality
workmanship are all factors on the list that increase the chances of getting
leaks, in some cases not even a decade after installation.
Roofing Materials That Are of Questionable
All roofing materials have a lifetime span. With
time, natural wear and tear due to the elements takes place, materials wear
down and break off, and the waterproofing properties of these materials are
lost eventually, leaving your home exposed to potential leaks.
Ice Dams or Debris Ice
In areas with snow and cold weather, ice dams
occasionally pile up at the roof eaves and cause reverse flow of water and snow
melt off. Likewise, garbage including severed twigs or collected piles of
leaves will obstruct the drainage and the water will want to collect and seep.
2. Tips on Roof Leak Prevention
Fortunately, roof leaks are preventable when
homeowners take proactive measures to reduce the possibility of roof leaks and
less frequent roof work due to deep crack repair.
Regular Inspections
Visually examine your roof at least twice a year,
best in spring and fall. Check shingles that are missing or are damaged,
flashing, or any wear. Problems detected early enough can be prevented before
they balloon to become bigger problems.
Clean Gutters Frequently
Cleaning your gutter should be your habit and this
should be regularly done during fall and without neglecting to clean after
storms. This maintains water drainage and minimises the chances of the water
backing up on the roof.
Cut Overhanging Limbs
Trees that overhang your roof may shed leaves,
twigs, and even a large branch in a storm. Frequently prune these branches so
that they do not pile the debris and cause harm to the roof physically.
Ensure good ventilation.
Healthy attic ventilation assists in cooling
temperature and moisture. In its absence, condensation may build up and
undermine your roofing structure inside out. Good airflow minimises the chances
of leaks due to internal moisture buildup.
Find Skilled Roofer
When you need to replace your roof or sort out a
small leakage, make sure you hire professionals who have got the correct
licensing and experience to do the work. Installation and roof repair works that are of high
quality would leave your roof leak-free over long periods of time.
Final Thoughts
The cause of roof leaking can be as simple as
blocked gutters or damaged roofing tiles or just old materials. Proper
management of your roof, checking the roof regularly, and engaging the
expertise of a contractor you truly trust can keep those re-roofing costs down
and your house dry on the wettest day of the year.
Keep in mind that your shingle roofing is the earliest safety net of your home. It does not only mean protecting against leaks but also maintaining the value, comfort, and safety of your house in the long run.
Further Reading: If you’re weighing whether to handle repairs yourself or call an expert, check out this guide on DIY vs Professional Roof Repairs.
