Of course, prevention is better than repair. Once you know the main violators, you can develop a strategy to avoid problems before they arise. In an effort to save you that investment, we have compiled a list of the 10 most common causes of roof leaks. We'll tell you what they look like, why they happen and how to solve them.
Whether you have an old roof, a new roof, or even a sleek green roof, wear and tear is inevitable. There will be storms, long winters and strong winds. But do you leak in the roof? They are a different story. With the right care regimen, every roof should have the ability to keep your family warm and dry for decades.
As you work on home maintenance, check out this list of the 10 most common causes of roof leaks. You'll be glad you did when early detection of a leak saves you time and money. For most homeowners, the most common cause of roof leaks is damaged shingles. Shingles can be damaged by weather, impact damage, or improper installation.
Roof leaks are a fire hazard if water enters the electrical wiring in your home. May short-circuit wires and cause sparks in surrounding areas. In addition, it can cause electrocution if touched. Typically, roof leaks are just signs of a much larger problem.
Both the danger and likelihood of structural erosion increase if left unaddressed. Regular Inspections Are Your Best Defense Against a Leaking Roof. Be vigilant, check for leaks, and talk to your contractor about the condition of your roof on a regular basis. By far, most roof leaks can be traced back to ice dams.
When winter precipitation hits a house with a regular or sloping roof, it is able to move freely down to the outside of the house as it melts. However, a low-slope roof can encourage water buildup, rather than a downward flow. There is a possibility that the roof leaks you are seeing could be attributed to structural water damage that has compromised the roof tiles and rafters. When water is not allowed to fall from the roof, it can build up and damage both the exterior and interior of the property.
Is structural water damage the problem? If so, roofing equipment can fix the problems that are responsible for leaks. This may include repairing missing shingles or completely replacing compromised ones. A drip edge is a sheet of metal, usually shaped like an “L”. Fits along the perimeter of your roof to prevent ice dams from forming.
As the runoff water hits it, the drip edge pulls it away from the fascia and directs it into the gutters. If ice dams are your enemy in winter, this simple step could make a big difference. If you can't see any revealing flow marks, and since the stain is quite small, look at the bottom of the ceiling for “glitters”. Be sure to routinely check your roof and all areas around it for signs of water damage.
The common asphalt shingles seen in many homes usually last around 20 years, but some last for shorter or longer periods, depending on the quality of the roof. Most roofers are not going to have the proper licenses and, most importantly, insurance, to perform this type of work on a chimney. An experienced roofing professional will inspect your roof both from the outside of the roof and from inside your home, usually through the attic. Looking at the roof in the general area of the leak will show you which pipe is causing water to enter your home.
Since this type of leak occurs around an installed HVAC component, it is difficult and a little difficult for a roofer to repair. Inspect for trees that may have grown too close to the roof and, if so, cut branches and branches. These trees prevent the roof from drying out quickly after a storm, encouraging the growth of plants such as algae. If you can't fix your leaking roof right away for some reason, a tarp is the next best option.
Tarpaulin service will act as a temporary solution to minimize damage inside your home until your roofer can fix the problem. It doesn't matter if you decide to repair a leak yourself or call a contractor, remember that quality roof installation and repair play a huge role in the lifespan you'll get from your roof. Since shingles are the outer layer of a roof, you should be able to identify missing shingles by seeing patches of different colors on the roof. Rainwater will accumulate in one area of the roof and have more opportunities to seep through the cracks.
But if the nails in the base are missing or released and the cover is in good condition, replace them with the rubber washer screws used for metal roofing systems. . .
