You may have noticed leaks on your roof but are not sure what the cause is. There are a few different reasons, including damaged shingles, cracked tiles, and ice dams. Inadequate ventilation is another reason. However, none of these reasons are as obvious as a faulty roof. If your roof leaks for no apparent reason, you may need to have it repaired. Here are some of the most common causes of roof leaks.
If your home is experiencing roof leaks, you probably want to have the problem repaired as soon as possible. Broken or damaged shingles can lead to water leakage, and if you notice one, you should get it fixed as soon as possible.
A missing shingle can also be a sign of rotting sheathing, or it can simply be the result of improper nailing. If the nails are too close to the border or outside of the manufacturer’s recommended nailing zones, they can cause shingles to break. While this can be costly, it is not something to ignore as leaks can lead to much greater damage if left without repair. You should get a roof repair professional to inspect your home to prevent leaks before they become a serious problem.
In addition to missing shingles, you should also check for the presence of seams between shingles. These are common areas where roof leaks start. If the seam between the shingles is exposed, the missing shingle will likely cause leaks. If the shingles are completely covering the seam, there’s a lower chance of a leak.
If a single shingle is missing or is cracked, it’s likely that the whole pattern of shingles has been compromised. This means that any water in the roof is spreading six to eight feet from its original location. Even if the damage to the roof is not immediate, it will only increase the cost of repairs and damage to the interior of the home. It’s important to replace missing shingles as soon as possible, so that you don’t have to worry about further water damage or a potential infestation.
Aside from damaging your home’s interior, leaking roofs can cause major damage to the structure of your home. Water can leak inside of your home and cause mould and structural damage. If you can prevent these problems before they start, the cost of roof replacement will be lower than if you have to replace a section or repair a damaged section of the roof. Functionally, a damaged roof will obviously be an expensive inconvenient, as well as aesthetically, a damaged roof can lower the street appeal of a property by making it look older than it is, and not in a quaint kind of way.
If you have broken tiles, there are many things you should do immediately to repair the damage. Broken tiles will allow water to penetrate the roof and affect the roof’s structure, the rafters and beams which if left in repaired can eventually lead to rot, which results in the need to replace sections of the roof or the whole thing. You may also notice water spots on the ceiling, a sign that there is a leak. Broken tiles will need to be replaced by a licensed roof repair specialist.
Roof leaks can also be caused by damaged or dislodged ridge capping or shingles. The roof’s anchor points must be properly sealed to prevent water from leaking in. When seals are damaged, water can leak through the roof.
Another cause of roof leaks is damaged flashing. Flashing is a thin metal strip that is installed between the shingles. This is a crucial layer of protection against the elements, but over time, it will begin to wear and possibly rust or crack. These large cracks will allow water to enter the home. A professional roofer can repair this problem, and the cost will range depending on the severity and extent of the damage. If you notice a patch on the roof that’s different from the rest, even when inspecting from the ground, this is a sign of a damaged flashing.
If you notice hairline cracks in the tiles on your roof, it’s a sign that you need to get them repaired or replaced. While these cracks may be hard to spot, hairline cracks can quickly become more severe cracks with win, rain, or movements in the foundation.
Sometimes it is hard to tell where a leak is coming from, you know it’s from the roof area, but sometimes the leaks are coming from your gutter system rather than your roof. When inspecting your roof, always consider and carefully inspect your gutters because they may be the culprit of the leak. Overflowing or blocked gutters as the result of debris, or gutter guards that have come loose and are in fact blocking your drainage will eventually lead to overflowing and possibly leaks on the ceiling and walls where consistent water is pooling.
Gutters are usually made of metal and metal can rust when the outer coating is compromised, in the example of a brand hitting the gutter system and causing a break in the top layer of the gutter, this will then expose the metal to rust which will lead to a hole and leak in the gutter system. If your property has a lot of trees nearby or overhanging, it would be wise to invest in tree services to remove overhanging branches, this will prevent situations like the example above.
If you are experiencing frequent leaks in your roof, it is likely that your home is not receiving adequate ventilation in your roof cavity leading to moisture that stays stagnant and settles on the upper layer of your ceiling. A poorly insulated roof cavity can lead moisture rotting away the ceiling boards, which appear to be moldy or may appear as if there is a leak in your roof when in reality the roof is intact, there just isn’t a way for the air to escape when it is humid. Inadequate ventilation may also cause pest infestation.
Most homeowners don’t give much thought to how their roof system functions. But the ventilation system in your attic is vital in keeping your home dry and cool. Proper ventilation can prevent water damage, mold, and other problems. Proper ventilation can also improve your home’s air quality and make it more energy-efficient. An experienced roof repair company can inspect the damage and determine how to remedy it, including adding additional vents to the attic or whirlybirds.
Proper ventilation can also prolong the life of your roof. Proper intake and exhaust vents help keep warm air from accumulating inside of your roof. Without proper ventilation, warm air will get trapped inside of it, leading to a variety of preventable problems.
My name is Nathan, I am a professional roofer working in Logan for the past 7 years. I am the director of Logan roof and gutters, and the head roofer. One part I really enjoy about my work is the interactions with my clients when they see the difference that a quality roof restoration will make on the feel of their homes. I also really enjoy fixing things, so a leaking roof is something I always put my hand up for. I take pride in doing the best job I can, every time, and this is how my business and my reputation have grown around my local area in Queensland.