Did you just notice a roof leak? Get it fixed as soon as possible before it gets on your nerves.
None of us can survive without water, but it can also be a source of pain when its uncalled for. Roof leaks are among the most common water intrusions which, if not addressed, can wreak havoc in your home.
It’s not just about finding a bucket to catch the dripping water. Excess moisture can undermine the structure and foundation of your home and lead to mold growth that can prove dangerous for you and your family.
Therefore, it’s extremely important to track and fix a leaking roof. To easily identify roof leaks, here are some common causes.
Clogged Gutters
Roof gutters are meant to direct water away from your roof and home foundation. If not regularly inspected and cleared, they can become clogged with debris such as branches, leaves, pine needles, etc. These blocks or slows down the flow of rainwater, paving the way for puddles and leaks.
Vent Leaks
Roof vents are a powerful defense against moisture intrusion and mold growth as well as against excess heat. They are typically sealed with roof mastic and flashing around the base where they stretch out from the roof base. However, if you sense a musty smell near it and notice dark spots around it, you’re probably dealing with a vent leak in or around its base. The leak might have resulted from damage to the vent itself or a crack in the flashing seal.
Broken Shingles
Shingles are the outer layers or tiles that cover the underlayment, preventing water from seeping through the roof. Even if one or two of these break during a heavy storm, water will easily find its way into the roof. The shingles could also break and fall off the roof during windy weather or heavy rain. If you find pieces of shingles around your home, stay alert and install the missing shingles at your earliest.
Damaged Flashing
Flashings serve as a water-resistant barrier on your roof. They don’t allow water to seep or penetrate into your home. They are pieces of metal installed on the transition areas or joints on your roof and are sealed using roof mastic and fibred membrane or modified bitumen. This mastic or tar is often subject to corrosion and when exposed to heavy rain or windy conditions, large cracks can occur in the flashing.
Roof leaks can occur if the flashing sections are not nailed down properly. They will slide out of place after some time. To ensure that the flashing withstands tough weather conditions, you must rely on a professional for installation.
Shallow Roof Slope
If your roof slope is too shallow, strong winds can affect the shingles and allow rainwater to penetrate underneath. To avoid this, you must follow the International Building Code requirements regarding roof slope, which is at least 2:12 for asphalt shingles.
Now that you’re aware of the most common causes of roof leaks, it’s time to take necessary steps to address the problem.
