Causes Of Roof Leaks And Their Prevention

There are different ways to take care of your roof. You can prevent leaks by identifying their common causes. Familiarizing yourself with the causes will help us maintain our roofs. C&N Construction Inc. is the expert you can trust for your needs. Our company is filled with experts that can transform your home exterior.  You can call us at (844) 415-7663 to learn more about our services. Provide your home with the best roofing services. Check reviews from our clients to know what it is like working with us. We offer a free inspection for all services we offer.

When Do I Know There Are Roof Leaks?

A roof leak is a common home issue. It becomes a problem for most homeowners because roof leak repair cost is expensive. Spotting a leak is vital and could cost more time and money. It can happen anytime. But, the chances become higher if you do not care for your roof well. Roof leaks are difficult to manage. It can be from poor installation or improper maintenance. Whatever the reason is, we all want to prevent this from happening.

Understanding why leaks happen will help us prevent them from happening. We can spot early the warning signs and do something about it. It can drip from the ceiling. Thus, you will need a ceiling leak repair. It can be an unwanted water ingress. Ignoring leaks and prolonging them will cause severe damage to our roofs. As the homeowner, you need to act fast. We can stop these issues from spreading further if we spot the problems early.

The Top 5 Common Causes Of Roof Leaks

1. The Roof’s Age

The main cause of leakage in a roof is when its materials have reached their lifespan. The design of roof tiles can last for decades. As the years pass by, their level of protection lowers. It becomes more prone to water ingress. You can prevent this by having good maintenance on your roof. Try removing the moss you see from your roof tiles. 

Remember that nothing lasts forever. Your roof can also get affected by temperature. The weather also impacts its quality. This makes the tiles more brittle. Later, it can create cracks down the road. 

man on the roof putting up shingles

2. Damaged Or Poor Installation Flashing

You can find flashings on the joints of your roof. They are there to seal roof leaks and protect the weak points from any water ingress. Flashings can also protect from any unwanted pests. But, once your flashing experience any crack or damage, it can be a source of a leak. Worse, it could cause serious issues and problems. 

Flashing can be damaged due to old age or exposure to fluctuating temperatures. It can be from direct impacts or fixings that fall out of place. Take a closer look at your flashing. You might observe any cracks or other damage present. These damages are obvious through careful observation. 

The placement of flashing alone is critical. You will usually find it on areas of skylights, chimneys, or where the roofs meet. If there is existing damage on your flashing, you must immediately get a repair. You can repair your lead flashing by removing the section with damage. Secure them through roofing nails. You can provide extra protection using a roofing sealant on the nail heads. We suggest you have a roof flashing inspection multiple times a year. Even when you do not feel like there is an issue, maintain its condition with professional help. 

3. Roof Tiles Or Slates That Are Broken Or Missing

One common damage when it comes to the roof is roof tiles. Roof tiles are the main protection mode for the rest of the roof’s surface. The source of damage can be anything. It can be because of falling debris that affects the condition of your roof tiles. 

Roofing materials are made to be sturdy in the first place. But they can only take so much before they can give any. Spotting a crack or missing tile is a simple task. You will notice chips scattering in your roof tiles. Sometimes, they are in your back garden after a strong wind. 

Compromising roof tiles can create issues. It can get worse when heavy rain is present. This will not enter your roof space and will burden your underlay. It can seep into structural timbers, which can create further problems. It can develop into a damp, condensation, or rot. If you want to resolve the issue, it is easy as fixing the tiles. You need to pry the tiles up and slide new ones into place. If there is rotting because of moisture, it is time to replace your roof tiles.

4. You Are Using The Wrong Materials For Your Roof’s Pitch

The materials you use for your roof should only be installed in a certain range of pitches. How you install it can affect its condition in the following years. For example, shallow-pitch roofs need a double layer of underlay. It provides waterproof protection for your home, like with standard pitches. If the roofer you hire makes a mistake on installation, it can create more damage to your roof. You will have to spend more on your roof due to leakage.  Low pitches tiled roof has exposed to more elements, specifically heavy winds and rain. Many manufacturers recommend leaving fewer gaps between every tile. Use extra fixings to provide more security for your home. You can prevent leaks from incorrect roofing materials by following the professional’s opinion. Ensure that the roofing materials are right for your roof’s pitch. Otherwise, you need to spend more on repairs. Correct materials and proper installation are important in maintaining a good roof.
roofers working on the roof

5. Ice Damming

When you see ice lines on the edge of your roof, expect that it can form a dam. This prevents the snow or rainwater from escaping. It can lead to serious issues. The weight of pooling water or trapped snow can strain the structure of your roof. It can even be from water leaks that enter your roof space. Visible cracks or weak points in your roof can create problems during the cold season. An ice dam happens when the snow on your roof melts once the weather becomes warmer. The water will get colder at the edge of your property. It can refreeze and form an ice dam later on.

A Helpful Guide On Preventing Roof Leaks

• Do Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are the best way to get ahead of roof leakage. Consulting a professional contractor will help you prevent roof leakage. Regular inspections give our homes the extra protection they need. Professionals receive training to look for problems that common people overlook. They can observe issues beforehand. Professional roofers will tackle and fix all the potential problems before it worsens. 

• Look Out For The Cause

The common causes above will help us prevent our roof’s worsening condition. Check out for any damages or missing shingles. Pay extra attention to the penetration sealing. This could be your chimneys, skylights, and vent stacks. It is vital that your sealants are secure and not subject to potential leaks. Make sure to find the best seal for roof leaks. 

Replacing any missing or damaged shingles immediately will help us prevent experiencing any roof leaks. Remember that ice dams can be the cause of blockage in your roofs as well.

• Think About How Your Ventilation Can Improve

Always remember to put ventilation improvement on your list. A proper ventilation will keep the air flowing to your roof and underside dry. Protect your home from any moisture build-up. Not having enough ventilation can compromise the foundation of your home’s roof. Maintaining a good roof can be a tiring task. For beginners, it can be harmful if you do it without a professional's help. C&N Construction Inc. can be your trusted professional roofer. Roof problems are the worse if you do not know what to do about them. You can contact us at (844) 415-7663. Learn more about the services we offer through our webpage. For any queries, visit our FAQs page. We offer free roofing quotations as part of our services. Maintain a good roof with experts from our team. With C&N Construction Inc, you are getting the best roofing service in town.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Kinds Of Issues Can A Leaking Roof Cause?

The leaking water also damages the paint and plaster on the nearby walls. Ceiling-mounted lights and fans may also sustain damage. The most obvious consequence of a leaking roof is water damage to rafters, ceiling joists, wall framing, and even fascia boards and exterior trim.

What Can I Do To Avoid Roof Leaks?
  • Install pre-fabricated flashing.  
  • Put in roof deck protection.  
  • Ventilate the attic.  
  • Install hip and ridge cap shingles. 
  • Inspect skylights. 
  • Avoid conflicting warranties. 
What Is The Most Commonly Used To Prevent Roof Leaks?

Roof sealants cover roof leaks and act as a barrier against water and sunlight penetration.

What Is The Most Common Reason For Roof Damage?

High winds, thunderstorms, hail storms, extreme heat, deep cold, and hurricanes will cause damage. Roofers in Kansas City and Chicago know that things can break and rip, leaving open spaces for water and moisture to enter. In the winter, moisture enters and freezes. 

How Do I Determine The Source Of A Leaking Roof?

Look for moisture, stains, carpenter ant damage, deteriorating sheathing, and other signs of a leaky roof with a flashlight. Remember that the leak could be coming from somewhere other than the roof. Small stains can also be caused by condensation on metal pipes and nails. 

How Can I Safeguard My Roof?
  • A regular roof inspection is essential for detecting potential damage.  
  • Roof repair or replacement. 
  • Remove any trees or large bushes.  
  • Clear your gutters.  
  • Remove any foreign objects.  
  • Install a long-lasting roofing material.  
  • Employ the services of a roofing contractor.  
  • Make sure your roof is properly ventilated.