A roof leak often indicates a larger roofing issue. If you experience a leak, don't delay. As with most things, the longer you let a problem go the worse it gets. When issues are resolved quickly, the repairs are less expensive than letting an issue proceed to get worse and cause further damage which in turn creates more expense.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks and What You Should do About Them:
- Age of Roof - People age, roofs age, everything ages. Shingles are made with oils in them. Over time these oils can dry which can create cracking, curling, breaking, and loss of granules. Think about this in comparison to people aging. We have oils in our skin. As we age that oil can dry up and create cracking, lines, and wrinkles. We can attempt to prevent this from happening, but over time we age just like a roof does.
- Broken or Missing Shingles - Shingles that age and become brittle can detach from a roof in wind conditions. Missing shingles create vulnerable areas when the rain and snow come. Always look for missing shingles and call a professional for the easy fix before a more complicated repair could become necessary.
- Clogged Gutters - Gutters can become clogged from leaves and other outdoor debris. Clogged gutters create poor water flow which can lead to a water back up. Water backups create the opportunity for water to pool, sit, and seep through cracks. To remedy this problem, it is recommended that gutters are cleaned out in the spring and fall seasons. Another solution is a high-quality gutter cover that allows for good water flow.
- Roof Vents and Pipe Boots - Even with a high-quality, properly installed roof, the areas around roof vents tend to be a common leak area over time. The seal around a roof vent and the rubber pipe boots can crack and become brittle as the sun beats down on the roof each day. Maintaining a roof can extend the life of the roof and prevent leaks from happening. Replacing pipe boots and resealing the areas around vents is a much less expensive and easier fix than waiting until real damage is done.
- Cracked Chimney - Mortar is a workable paste of lime, cement, sand, and water that binds building products such as bricks and stone together. Over time mortar erodes and erodes even faster in harsh weather conditions. If there are cracks in the mortar of your chimney, water can travel through the space and leak down into your ceiling. With missing or cracked mortar, the easy fix is to find the spot and replace the mortar with fresh mortar. Other typical leaks near the chimney are from a cracked chimney cap or loose flashing or shingles.
The roof of your home is your first line of defense against extreme weather and the elements. If you suspect that you have any of these issues or even see a water spot on the ceiling, don't delay! For peace of mind, call a professional roofer like All Roof Solutions, Inc. today, to provide a thorough inspection of your roof.