4 Common Reasons of Roof Leakage

Information may not be reliable

Though a roof leak may seem a petty issue, it becomes a threat to the structural integrity of the entire roofing system. As it is not possible to cover the leaks on your own, finding a permanent solution for the leakage becomes imperative. Water seepage may happen through multiple spots on your roof. While a few sources of water leaks are clearly visible, roofing services in Rockwall and other parts of the US may help in finding those hidden areas of roof leak that may cause serious damages and costly repairs.

The blog post discusses a few common spots of leaks in any roofing system.

1. Broken Shingles

Broken shingles are one of the main reasons of leakage. Shingles form the exterior part of any roofing system and leave a patchy look once they peel off. Moreover, there can be an evident roof leakage post a heavy rain or hailstorm as the strong winds tend to rip off the shingles leaving an area exposed to water seepage. Though broken shingles can be mended with minimal repairs by hiring roofing services professionals in Rockwall or other parts of the US, more significant damage may call for a complete replacement for the cracked shingles.

2. Cracked Flashings

Flashings made of thin metal strips act as a water resistant barrier for the entire roofing system. The purpose of a flashing is to maintain a watertight roof, and any damage to the flashings may cause rainwater to run down the chimneys, causing a moisture buildup in the interior portions of the house. Roofing contractors use tar to seal off the flashing, which is likely to corrode over time. Strong winds and rain may crack the flashings and thereby leave a spot for water leakage.

3. Improper Valley Sealings

Roof valleys are sensitive areas as the rainwater passes through the valleys before draining into the gutters. Improper sealing of the valleys or continuous exposure to rain and ice dams may cause a crack in the valley sealing. The sealings also serve as runoff channels for rainwater and other water accumulation in any roofing system, so any damage to the sealings may leave the roof open to water seepage giving rise to roof leaks in future.

4. Cracked Vent Boots

Roof vents look like pipes on the top of the roof and serve the purpose of removing the excess moisture from the interior parts of the house.  These cracked vents are often sealed by a rubber boot on the top which can erode or break down to give rise to water leakages through the roof. Leakages due to cracked vent boots are easy to diagnose as there are dark spots and mustiness in the present in the area.

The Bottom Line

Whether it’s a new or an old roof, all roofing structures are susceptible to leakage due to water and moisture absorption during heavy rains and rough weather. An annual roofing inspection and maintenance program may prevent the instances of roof leakage and the expensive repair costs. Inspecting the roof without professional help leads to costly repairs in the future which make it imperative to hire professional roofing services in Rockwall and other parts of the US.