Have you observed evidence of a roof leak in your home? Are you puzzled as to the cause? Did you decide to ignore the problem for the time being? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you must proactively address the roof leak before it becomes a far more consequential problem. Unresolved roof leaks could lead to water damage, flooding, mold formation, or other costly issues.
Common Explanations For Roof Leaks
More often than not, a roof leak occurs for “typical” reasons a homeowner might expect. Regardless, you should be aware of these causes so that you can address them should they arise.
- Aging Roof Materials
An asphalt shingle roof typically lasts between 15 and 25 years. Other roofing materials (such as metal or slate) offer longer lifespans. However, one common denominator defines all roofing systems: Eventually, your roof will require replacement. If a roof is nearing the end of its useful life, it may be more susceptible to roof leaks.
- Broken, Loose, Or Missing Shingles
A damaged asphalt shingle opens the door to water intrusion. Even a tiny incursion might lead to a major inroad for moisture penetrating the roof surface to the sublayers and even the home’s structural elements. A homeowner needs to immediately address curled or absent shingles to minimize or eliminate the risk of a roof leak.
- Clogged Gutters
Most homeowners don’t associate blocked gutters with causing roof leaks. Yet, 20% of roof leaks result from plugged gutters. Gutters need unobstructed channels to allow rainwater to flow through them. If moisture cannot escape the roof through the gutters, it will redirect in “unexpected” ways. Most commonly, water will seep under a roof’s surface.
- Damaged Flashing Or Seals
Compromised flashing or broken seals will substantially increase the risk of roof leaks. 15% of roof leaks occur this way. Flashing is a thin metal that channels water away from vulnerable areas, such as roof protrusions (e.g., vents, chimneys, etc.). Seals provide added protection. If flashing or seals suffer damage, moisture penetration often results.
- Excessive Debris Buildup
If your roof has branches, leaves, and other materials on the surface, proactively remove these items immediately. A roof is not intended to hold the weight and inconvenience of foreign objects. Why? These substances may cause water to pool or redirect it away from the gutters. 8% of roof leaks occur because of overhanging tree branches.
- Improper Roof Ventilation
Insufficient roof ventilation leads to 12% of roof leaks. When warm, humid air becomes trapped in the attic, excess condensation and moisture buildup often result. Additionally, without adequate outdoor air to enter the home, the hot air in the attic may cause the roof’s various layers to become more brittle and susceptible to degradation.
- Storm Damage
Strong wind, hail, heavy rain, and lightning can adversely affect a roof’s performance. These weather-related forces cause storm damage to the outer surface material and may penetrate the sublayers, resulting in additional issues, including moisture penetration. To avoid this outcome, hire a roof inspector to analyze the roof’s condition immediately after a storm.
5 Surprising Causes Of Roof Leaks
Most homeowners will associate roof leaks with the failure of roofing materials (such as damaged or missing asphalt shingles) or components (including dented flashing, broken seals, and inadequate roof ventilation). However, roof leaks may often result from “not-so-obvious” causes.
These issues could become apparent years after installing a new roof if specific details are not adequately addressed at the outset. 25% of roof leaks result from improper installation of a new roof. For this reason, be selective in who you hire to replace your existing roof. Don’t choose just any roofer.
1. Attic Condensation Buildup
When condensation occurs, it needs to dry quickly. If it does not, an atmosphere exists where roof materials become increasingly susceptible to weakening and degradation.
2. Faulty Flashing Installation
Not all roofers understand the best techniques to ensure flashing performs optimally. In other instances, low-grade flashing leads to premature issues, like roof leaks.
3. Inadequately Installed Roofing Nails
Many roof installers do not take the proper precautions to attach the right roof nails correctly. Consequently, nails will pop or back out, leading to moisture penetration.
4. Insufficiently Sealed Valleys
A roof valley exists where two roof planes meet. Poorly sealed roof valleys will lead to leaks because rainwater can flow uninterrupted into your home through these vulnerable areas.
5. Pipe Boot Issues
A pipe boot is a flashing that provides a watertight seal around pipes and vents. As a pipe boot weathers and ages, it weakens. When this occurs, roof leaks will often result.
Addressing Roof Leaks With An Expert Roofing Contractor
Homeowners in the Southeast (including the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia) trust Trico Exteriors to provide the highest-quality roofing services. As the preferred local roofing company for residents from Myrtle Beach to Savannah, we know what you need to efficiently and effectively resolve challenging roofing issues, including roof leaks. Our expertise will ensure you receive the right permanent solution, not just a temporary fix.
Contact Trico Exteriors today if you have a roof leak or need to schedule an appointment.
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