Leaks are common roofing problems. When your roof begins to leak, you must fix it promptly to avoid costly repairs down the line. Keep in mind that a leaky roof can cause mold growth and weaken the underlayment and deck. It can also damage your ceiling and cause other moisture-related problems in your home. These issues can be expensive to fix.
For this reason, knowing the warning signs of a leaky roof is critical. It enables you to schedule the necessary roof repairs early. Below is a comprehensive look at some common causes of leaky roofs.
Missing and Damaged Shingles
Among other roles, the roof shingles act as a waterproof shield to the deck. But over time, the shingles wear down. Extreme weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rains can also take a toll on your roof shingles. Consequently, they may become defective or go missing, causing water to leak into the deck. The best way to avoid roof leaks is by inspecting your roof regularly and promptly repairing any damaged or missing shingles.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a protective material installed at the base of the roof's chimney, valleys, ridges, vent pipes, or skylights. With proper flashing, water won't penetrate the roof's internal structures. But like other fixtures, the flashing may wear out with time. Therefore, paying attention to the flashing is crucial. It will enable you to identify and fix faults like corrosion or rust, missing pieces, and cracks.
Clogged Gutters
Over time, twigs, leaves, and other debris will accumulate on your roof and gutters. If left unattended, they will clog your gutters, inhibiting the proper flow of water through to the downspouts. Consequently, the water will back up into the eaves and other areas beneath your shingles, creating leaks in the long run. You can avoid this by inspecting and cleaning your gutters regularly. Removing overhanging tree branches prevents small twigs and leaves from entering the channels.
Aging Materials
Roofs and roofing materials have varying lifespans. For instance, some roofing materials, like asphalt, tend to age faster than other materials. Usually, as a roof nears the end of its service life, it will experience diminished performance. When this happens, you will encounter frequent roof problems like leaks. So a leaky roof might point to old age, and a replacement might be prudent.
As seen above, several factors contribute to leaks. But with regular inspections by a residential roof repair professional, you can catch leaks early and fix them before causing extensive damage.
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