10 Common Causes Of A Leaky Roof

A leaky roof is something that none of us want to deal with. It can be a pain, and if it is not taken care of, it can cause significant damage to your home. Leaks can cause structural damage to your house, which can include things like damage to your attic, ceiling, and walls. It can even lead to issues such as mold and mildew growth through water intrusion. The mold can spread throughout your home and lead to potential health issues. That’s not even including the potential fire hazard if water finds its way to electrical wiring. So, it is safe to say that a leaky roof is more than the annoying “drip-drop” we hear.

To avoid all of these issues, it is important to resolve a leaky roof as soon as possible. Professionals, such as the ones of our company, should be contacted to take care of the issue, but it doesn’t hurt to be informed on the situation. While you may not be able to resolve the issue yourself, with the right information, you can get an idea of what is causing the leak.

Here are ten common causes of roof leaks.

1. Loose, Cracked or Rotting Shingles

Shingles are important to the condition of a roof, and as we all know, things happen. Heavy rain and wind can impact your shingles and damage them or remove them completely. Or your roof may be aging and may face things such as cracking or rotting. If your roof is 20 to 30 years old, there is a good chance you’re experiencing this. Shingles can come loose and fall to the ground, leaving an exposed underlayment. Then, the sun and wind can cause the layers to wear away. Eventually, leaks begin to form. To deal with any shingle issues, you can visually check for any missing shingles, and make a note of any missing or miscolored hue patches.

2. Roofing Nails Backing Out

Shingles can cause/have issues, but roofing nails can also. Roofing nails can back out, leaving small holes that water can penetrate, especially if it is close to the roof’s edge where wind-driven rain can enter.

The holes might be unnoticeable to the average person, but a professional can spot them and determine if that is the issue. If this issue is caught early, you can prevent larger repairs or potential roof replacement.

3. Flashing Damage

Flashing is used to protect valleys and spots where the roof meets a vertical surface (walls and dormers). Flashing plays an important role as they are thin strips of metal that seal roof transitions under shingles to create a water-resistant barrier. If they receive any damage from or are dislodged from strong winds, the breaks in the roof are exposed. Then, it is easier for rainwater to get in. If flashing damage occurs, it is important to get it taken care of ASAP.

4. Clogged Gutters

Gutters can potentially get clogged with everything to leaves, branches, debris, and granules from shingles. When this happens, the flow of rainwater is slowed down or stopped completely. That water begins to pool, and because of that, leaks become even more possible.

5. Skylights

Skylights look nice and are great additions to your roof, but can also play a part in roof leaks. If a skylight is improperly installed or the measuring is wrong. If this is the case, your skylights can be the culprit of your leaky roof.

6. Chimney

In some cases, water can trickle in through the chimney. When it does, it can find the smallest crack or hole to seep into. Water can also pool at the base of a chimney.

7. Age of Roof

As mentioned up above, a roof that is 20 to 30 years old can experience its share of wear and tear. The materials become weakened, and factors like weather and sunlight make it easier for water to sneak in. It is important to get repairs done on an older roof as quickly as possible. If properly done, you can extend your roof’s life a bit longer. Then, a possible roof replacement must be considered.

8. Soffit or fascia damage

Soffits and fascia can be at risk for water damage over time. The soffit is the exposed siding underneath a roof’s overhang. It can be made of materials such as wood, aluminum, or vinyl. It all depends on what is best for your climate. On the other hand, fascia is is the area of siding directly above the soffit. The fascia is where gutters are placed. And, as we know, gutters can take damage and be a cause of a leaky roof as well. Fascia can be made of the same materials as the soffit. The two go hand and hand, and both are capable of being damaged from water. Water softens the fascia and, in turn, causes holes.

9. Moisture

Moisture can occur when gutters are improperly installed. Improper installation can lead to draining and pooling issues, which causes leaks. Like skylights, it is essential that your gutters are correctly installed.

10. Roof Vents

When it comes to roof vents, plastic roof vents can crack over time. Then, the gaskets around pipe vents can crack or have gaps in them, which can contribute to a leaky roof.

Leaky roofs can be a pain, and they can have different causes. Whether it is issues with shingles, flashing damage, soffit or fascia damage, or anything else, leaky roofs can happen. Knowing the potential causes of the issue, you can move on to the next step and have a professional take care of you.If you are experiencing a leaky roof, or suspect that something is wrong, it doesn’t hurt to have it checked out. It is better to resolve the issue as soon as possible rather than putting it off. We’re more than happy to help at Timothy Parks Roofing & Construction Inc, and we service the entire Orlando area. Call us at (407) 901-7380 or visit us at www.tproco.com, and we’ll give you the help you need.