It happens to everyone at some point in time: You notice a dark stain on the ceiling or streaks on your walls. Or even worse, you see droplets or a stream of water flowing from these areas. Your roof is leaking!
Leaks seems to come from out of the blue, for no good reason at all. Even on newly installed roofs or relatively young ones, leaks can happen. There are several reasons and factors that should be considered:
- Compromised shingles
It may be due to poor installation and workmanship, faulty materials or it may have been mother nature with a wind or hail storm: Once shingles that have blown off, fallen off or out of place due to improper installation the integrity of your roof system has been compromised and this can cause leaks. Many times, this can be spotted from the ground, however on some roofs a professional may be required to inspect. - Compromised Valleys
The roof valley (The “V” created where two sloping roofs meet) could have been punctured. Either the valley metal (open valley) or shingles (closed valley) could have been damaged either accidently by other personnel or roofers stepping in them or if maintenance is neglected, buildup of debris could cause water buildup and leaks. - Poor installation or materials
One of the most common causes for leaks is poor workmanship. If an unexperienced roofing contractor did not install the materials properly, leaks almost always occur. Leaks caused by improper installation can include the roof membrane, roof flashing, roof vents or chimney, although these can be punctured by various things. The most common problem with these areas are poor installation of materials. - Punctured roof or obstructed water flow
Falling limbs or trees, hail or other objects can cause major damage to a roof. After a storm, it is highly recommended to have an inspection as soon as possible if signs of a leak are present. Even if the roof was not punctured, debris could block water flow causing pooling which can seep into your home and cause damage, including leaks. Keep the gutters clean and the entire roof free of debris to prevent damage. - Improper Room Ventilation
Improper ventilation in rooms where high moisture is generated (like bathrooms, kitchens, sunrooms) can cause moisture to build up and cause serious damage over time. Be sure these rooms are ventilated properly to avoid problems. - The roof is just too old
Roofs don’t last forever: Once the materials in your roof age beyond their life expectancy they begin to break down, compromising the integrity of your roof.
If you notice any signs of leakage in your roof, it is imperative to repair the problems as soon as possible to avoid further damage and even greater expense. Need advice or help with your roof? Call today for a free professional inspection!
