Roof leaks are one of the most inconvenient problems to have in your home. It is often difficult to pinpoint the spot where the roof lets in water, however, knowing the reason for the roof’s linking may help you decipher where the water is coming from or your can call an experienced roofer like roofrescuecontracting.com. See Fireman Roofing on Twitter.
There are a number of reasons that roofs leak; here are a few of the most common reasons:
Debris. Do not underestimate the power of even small, seemingly harmless debris. While, of course, debris flying into your roof after a storm can damage your roof, that is not the only time it could cause a leak. Twigs, leaves, and other mess from trees, when there is enough accumulated, can trap water and cause it to drench the roof. It is important to keep your tree branches cut back away from your roof to avoid these problems. Try to clear roof of such debris often to allow water to run down the roof as it is supposed to.
Holes. Large holes are sometimes left after the removal of a TV antenna or some other rooftop installation. Be sure to seek these out and seal them as quickly as possible.
Saturation. When upper roof gutters leak onto a lower roof, the shingles often become overly saturated, causing water to seep into the roof. It is preferred that you change the deposit point of the downspout to either another gutter, or directly to the ground to avoid saturation of your lower roof.
Missing Shingles. Over time, shingles will begin to pull away from your roof, especially in the case of a storm or just strong winds. It is often difficult to pinpoint spots where shingles are missing, however, this could be the reason for your roof’s leak. Climb a ladder onto your life to carefully check harder-to-see spots where shingles could have been ripped off.
Clogged Gutters. If not regularly cleared out, your gutters will fill up with dirt, leaves, twigs, and other mess. This debris can cause the water to drain more slowly, allowing to stay on your roof longer and saturate the lower part of your roof. This could possibly cause a leak in your roof. Be sure to clear your gutters out regularly.
Vents. Sometimes the area around the vents in your roof are not properly sealed. Always inspect the area around; sometimes nails could be missing, or the plastic vent could be cracked from years of wear and tear from the weather. This extra step is especially important with solar panels.
Flashing. Flashing is metal sheets placed where water runs down most often, to avoid leaks in your roof. When nails come loose, or if it begins to crack, the flashing can trap water, making it saturate your roof and cause leaks. Be sure to check your flashing to make sure it is properly sealed.
Age. Age can play a big role in leaking in your roof. A number of things can age your roof more quickly: fluctuating temperatures, storms, and other intense weather. Over time, your shingles will begin to crack and wear out. As your roof wears, it becomes less effective in protecting your home.