4 Common Reasons for a Leaky Roof

Information may not be reliable

Roof problems are always a pain, and the building owner needs to bear a substantial expense in most of the cases. Irrespective of the type of roof you install, it may face problems such as a leakage due to a number of reasons. If you don’t address the problem immediately, it could cause major damage to the structure. Spotting a leak at an early stage is always better in terms of less damage and repair cost. Although it is better to call an emergency roof repairs expert to find out the cause of the problem, many homeowners prefer to do the first level of inspection on their own.

If you fall under the second category, we list the four common causes that may lead to roof leakages.

Cracked Flashing

Flashing, a thin piece of metal present under shingles and roof joints, creates a water-resistant barrier at spots where a large quantity of water runs down. Flashings sealed with tar corrode over time and factors such as rain and wind may cause cracks on the roof. At times, some of the sections of flashings sliding may also move out of the place, if the nails go missing, which may also cause a leak. 

Clogged Gutter

A clogged gutter slows the flow of the water off the roof and increases the chances of water seepage through cracks. You need to inspect the roof to check if leaves are sticking out of the gutter. You can also check if the quantity of the water coming out of the downspout is less than what you think is collected on the roof. You may use covers so that leaves or debris doesn’t enter the gutter.

Underlay Failure

Roof tiles, slates, shingles and other materials keep rainwater away from seeping inside. Strong winds can, however, force their way through the gaps of slates and shingles or under the tiles, ultimately paving the way for water to enter the roof. The underlay of the roof that carries rainwater to the gutter could begin to rot as a result of continuous exposure to rain and wind. The end result could be ineffective functioning of the underlay and a leak in the roof.

Excess Moisture

If the gutter of upper roof drains directly on the lower roof, this could make the lower portion too saturated and result in a leak. Look for the signs of mold growth or mildew in the attic space. A musty, strong odor coming from the place because of excess moisture is another reason of leak. You can extend the downspout to another gutter or ground to prevent mold growth and roof leak.

Homeowners may inspect the roof on their own to find out the reason for the leak. If the damage caused to the roof is major or you are unable to figure out the real cause, seek the help of a roofing expert. Ensure that you choose a roofing company that has an extensive experience in the field and a good reputation in the industry.