6 Common Causes of Roof Leaks

6 Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Surprisingly, most homeowners pay little to no attention to their roof until the gutters fall off or it begins to leak, which isn’t ideal. A roof leak is one problem you don’t want to have, no matter how big or small your house is.

Roof leaks are inconvenient and waste a lot of time and money. Consider the stress of monitoring the weather and determining where to place containers to catch rainwater when it rains.

The truth is that a roof leak could be caused by a variety of issues, and one of your suspicions may be correct. Early detection of roof leaks can save you a lot of money on roof repairs. Here are some of the most common reasons why buildings’ roofs leak.

Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Broken or Missing Shingles

One of the most common causes of leaky roofs is missing shingles. The asphalt shingles on your roof act as a waterproof barrier, protecting the plywood sheath beneath it from the elements. Water can soak into the exposed area of your roof when shingles are missing or broken. This degrades the roofing materials and may result in future leaks.

Most of the time, the issue is not caused by improper shingle installation. Some severe weather conditions cause significant damage to roofs, regardless of whether they are properly installed or not. As a result, it is critical to inspect the integrity of your shingles following a high wind storm. Regular shingle inspections may prevent you from ever having a leaking roof.

Attic Condensation

Moisture in your home isn’t always caused by a leaking roof. Sometimes the source of the leak is within your own home. The majority of attic condensation occurs during the winter when the temperature outside is significantly lower than the temperature inside.

Because the attic serves as a link between indoor and outdoor temperatures, condensation forms when they collide, and moisture flows. If your attic has a strong, musty odor, it is likely that water has found its way inside.

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are the side skirts on your roof that carry water away from your property. When they become clogged, the stagnant water in them causes rotting and eventually leaks into your home.

And, in case you didn’t know, a clogged gutter can cause flooding in your basement, which is a major source of water damage. Make regular gutter cleaning a priority, and remember to check your roof vents if you have any.

Ice Dam Buildup

Ice dams are areas of ice that form near the edge of your roof. These ice ridges prevent water from passing through and redirect moisture into your home as it pools. Unlike most roof leaks, which are caused by poor installation or incorrect nail placement, ice dams are caused by snowfall, temperatures that remain below freezing for an extended period of time, and changing roof temperatures.

It is safer to wait for the snow to melt before taking action if you have excess snow on your roof.

If you decide to deal with the situation, you’ll need a roof rake to safely drag the ice buildup off your roof.

Cracked Chimney

Another common way for water to enter a building is through the chimney. If you have a chimney in your home and are experiencing leaks, the chimney cap may be damaged. The purpose of a chimney is to remove smoke, warm air, and gases from your home, not to bring in water.

If you can’t find any damage to the chimney, the problem could be in the joints where the chimney connects to your roof. There could be loose flashing or missing shingles near the chimney, allowing water to enter your home.

Poorly Installed Skylights

Skylight or roof window leaks are among the easiest to detect because they are so obvious. It is important to note that leaks or wet spots near skylights can be caused by loose or damaged flashing. Poor installation, rather than wear and tear from age or impact from acute damage, is the cause of leaky skylights.

If you discover other major problems while investigating your skylight issue, you may require a new roof to avoid having to pay for repairs over and over again.

Why You Should Consult a Professional Roofing Company for Your Roof Leak Repair

Safety

Roof DIY projects are dangerous. Even if you have the necessary equipment, you lack the industry experience that a professional roofer possesses. Don’t jeopardize your health to save money.

Warranty

When installed by industry experts, your roof, like most appliances, comes with a warranty. Roofing companies have different warranty policies, but you can expect to receive between 6 months and 3 years of free service if any problems arise.

High-Quality Product

No matter how hard you try to perform a task in which you are not skilled, the results will be inferior to those of a professional. The same is true for roofing; just because you know how to fix your roof doesn’t mean you’ll do an excellent installation or repair job.

Hire America’s Best Roofing and Solar in Phoenix, AZ Today!

At America’s Best Roofing and Solar, we provide excellent residential and commercial roofing services at reasonable prices. Our roofers understand the importance of high-quality materials and will do everything possible to ensure that you have no problems with your roof.

Instead of putting yourself in danger and possibly causing additional damage to your roof, hiring a professional roofing service is what you need. Call us at 602-755-4200 today!