7 Reasons Why Your Roof Might Be Leaking

It takes a lifetime to decorate a home to perfection. From the banisters to the bedroom floors, everything is carefully chosen according to your tastes, budgets, and the needs of your family.

That's why a leaking roof can be so frustrating. It not only leads to a deeper structural problem but also hampers the superficial good looks of a home you have so lovingly put together.

Even if you only suspect a leak because of a musty smell, it'd be a good idea to consult a professional before things get out of hand and you need a complete roof replacement instead of simple repairs. This is especially important if you live in a tornado-prone area where your home has been subjected to extreme winds and inclement weather.

It is also a good idea to get the roofing checked periodically if it is more than a decade old. Additionally, you should also look out for the following six causes of roof leakage:

1. Compromised Shingles

Shingles protect your roof by helping rainwater flow to the gutters and away from your home. However, if they're damaged or missing, they won't do their job efficiently and give way to the water to leak into your home. This could either be poor workmanship, inadequate installation, or bad weather at play.

It is likely that your shingles could have been blown off the roof by the heavy wind, or a tree branch could've fallen on the top, damaging the shingles. You should inspect your roof to spot any missing or damaged shingles every time after stormy weather to ensure its integrity.

2. Punctured Roof

It isn't unusual for trees or limbs to fall on the roof in bad weather. However, the trouble comes in when the roof gets punctured. Even hail can sometimes cause damage to a roof. Either of these instances could cause a hole that slowly lets water into your house.

If your house is old, it's possible that the holes were left by antennas or other electronics installed up there. So, if you recently did a spring cleaning up there and removed old equipment, make sure to patch up any holes left behind.

3. Damaged Valleys

Roof valleys are the most vulnerable spots up there since they are prone to leakage upon the severe impact of rainwater and debris. However, the leakage is most likely to happen on older roofs or because of an accident. Therefore, maintenance of the roof is necessary to keep the valley from being compromised.

4. Poor Drainage

The water from the roof runs into the gutter, taking along sticks, leaves, and other debris. This makes it necessary for the gutter to get cleaned every now and then.

You can prevent the debris from a building and the water flows from being obstructed. It is important because if the water starts building up on the roof instead of going to the gutter, there can be a potential leakage.

It is recommended to clean your gutters at least thrice a year.

5. Damaged Flashing

Flashing-related issues are a common problem among built-up roofs. If the workmanship was faulty and the flashing installation wasn't proper, it can allow water to enter. Moreover, it could move from its position if it's not placed correctly.

Besides this, metal corrosion or crack in the flashing might cause it to leak too. This issue can also be tackled with regular maintenance and repair.

6. Faulty Roof Slope

If the workers didn't add the right amount of slope to your house, the water will collect in the shallow part of the roof and increase the risks of a leak. So, if you want your roof to be leakproof, make sure the workers add enough slope for the water to run off effectively.

Conclusion

Nobody likes a leaking roof; it is ugly, inconvenient, dangerous, and bad for everyone's health since it can lead to mold and mildew and effectively destroy the interior of a house. So, to prevent any leakage in the roof, you must get it maintained routinely.

Work with a reliable roofing contractor to inspect the roof yearly or at least after it has been through extreme weather. They can help you spot and fix the flaws before significant damage is done.