It happens to most people at some point in time. They notice a dark stain on their ceiling or, even worse, see small droplets of water on the ceiling. Well, these are main signs of a leaking roof. There are many reasons for water leakage from the roof.
We’ve done the homework and come with the top reasons why your roof is leaking and what every homeowner should know:
Roof is Leaking through Holes – Perfect Entry Points for Water
When you remove objects like satellite dishes or old antennas from the roof, you will create spot holes in the roof. You have to patch them correctly and immediately.
Damaged or Missing Shingles – Roof Is Leaking
When you have damaged or missing shingles, this can result in a leaking roof. Reasons for missing or damaged shingles might be improper installation, faulty roofing material, heavy storm, wind, or fallen branches.
Gutter Blockage – Clogged Drain is Red Alert!
When gutters get blocked and clogged with leaves, debris, and sticks, it stops water that runs down your roof during rainfall. This results in stagnant water, which builds up over time and seams under the shingles, causing leakage. We recommend cleaning your gutters at least three times per year to keep them clear.
Old Roofing – Age Matters
Maintenance is key to extending a roof’s life, but even then, roofing does wear and tear with time as they age. How long a roof lasts usually depends largely on the roofing material used. The age of roofing shingles depends on the material used. For example, most common asphalt roofing shingles lasts around 20 years. However architectural shingles last around 25 years. Aging causes roofing to become brittle and eventually leak.
Damage to Flashing – Friend to Foe
Flashing can be your roof’s best friend or worst enemy, depending on how it is installed. Poor installation can allow water to enter the seams and joints and cause flashing (a metal) to erode and crack, causing the roof to leak.
Improper Roof Slope – Silently Damages the Roof
If the roof’s slope is not designed and created properly, the water may pool up on the roof instead of running efficiently, causing it to leak.
Ridges, Caps, and Valleys – Can Often Hurt Your Roof
Though these make a strong architectural statement, they also create entry points for water. Ridges, caps, and valleys can cause water to seep inside and result in a leaky roof.
Skylights, Vents, and Chimneys – Installation is Everything
Poor installation of features like vents, chimneys, and skylights can leave gaps along with them where water from the rain or pressure washing can seep into the house. Other reasons may include cracks in the chimney and improper holes that don’t match the size of the skylight installed.
Attic Condensation – Roof is Leaking From the Inside
Condensation inside the attic can also damage the roof when the attic isn’t ventilated properly. Poor ventilation and improper insulation lead to condensation, causing water damage inside the home and the growth of mold and mildew.
Roof Debris – The Lesser Know Culprit
Branches, leaves, and debris on the roof left behind after heavy winds and storms, if not cleared and removed on time, can put a dent in your pocket. This is because the organic debris build up on the roof can cause leaking. It is blocking the water from flowing properly on the roof or into the gutters. This is why your roof is leaking. Roof debris could be a good reason, especially if you don’t clean your roof regularly.
For more information or assistance from a professional roofing experts, contact Riga Home Improvement. We will inspect your roof and identify the root cause of your leaking roof and provide you with the best solution to your complete satisfaction. Let’s talk.