Caring for your roof can be expensive. You never know when something is going to go wrong, and if it does, it can be costly. Furthermore, the cost can get considerably worse if the problem isn’t dealt with quickly. So, to help you avoid some serious roofing problems, we are going to discuss the five most common causes of leaks, so you can keep an eye out for them.
Attic Condensation
You should be able to tell if you have an attic leak by seeing mildew or mold growing in your attic. Another clue would be a musty odor. This would probably mean that you have water in your attic, which means you want to be looking for a leak.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is material, generally metal, that is placed in areas of your roof that are at risk of leaking. These would be areas such as around the chimney, vents, or on roof joints. This flashing is placed to direct water away from the vulnerable areas to the gutters or off of the roof. However, over time the flashing can crack due to weather, such as rain or wind. If the flashing does crack, it could lead to a leaky roof.
Cracked Shingles
Shingles can be easily damaged by the weather. This can cause them to become damaged or even broken over time. Luckily though, shingles are clearly visible, so you should be able to see if any of them are broken or even missing. If you do spot a problem with your shingles, you will want to replace them before the roof starts to leak.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters can easily become clogged, and sometimes it’s easy to tell if they are. You might see plants growing out of your gutter, or they may appear to be cracked or rusty. You could also check to see if water flows from your gutters when it is raining. If your gutters are clogged, then they are not directing water from the roof to the ground. Therefore, more water could build up on your roof, increasing the chance of a leak.
Underlay Failure
The top layer of your roof is intended to keep water out. However, cracks or other issues may cause the top layer of your roof to allow water through to your underlayment. The underlayment is an extra layer of protection intended to keep water out of your house. However, sometimes this underlayment fails due to issues such as low-quality material or installation, among other issues. If this happens, your roof can leak, thus allowing water to enter your home.
Aging
Another common cause of a leaky roof is an aging roof. If you have had your current roof for a long time, it is possible your roof is beginning to fail. No matter what your roof is made of, the materials will age and, in time, likely start to leak.
Debris
If you have debris on your roof, such as branches, leaves, or even rocks, it could allow water to build up beneath this debris. Should this happen, the water could eventually seep into your home.
Final Thoughts
There are many causes of a leaky roof, and we have listed only some of them. The best way to tell if there is a problem with your roof is to have it inspected by a roofing contractor. In fact, it is generally considered a good idea to have your roof inspected annually to catch any problems before they become serious. This could save you a lot of money by dealing with any issues while they are still small.
Contact Us
If you would like more information about roof leaks or want to schedule an inspection, then contact North Shore Roofing. Our experienced team of roofers has been serving homeowners for more than thirty years. Call us at (978) 977-3816 and connect with us on Facebook.
