While roofs are designed to be waterproof and protect your home from the elements, there can be a variety of factors that contribute to the development of a leak.
From poor installation to age and weather, these are some of the most common causes of roof leaks that you should be aware of.
Taking the time to identify and address these issues can help you take preventative measures to prevent substantial damage to your home and save you from costly leaky roof repair.Â
With that said, here are the top causes of roof leaks:
1. Wear and Tear from Age
As with most things, roofs will deteriorate over time due to wear and tear. In fact, this happens as soon as the roof is installed because of foot traffic and weather conditions.
A buildup of lichen, moss, and algae can clog the shingles and reduce their effectiveness. Additionally, the wood that supports the shingles can rot over time, and the shingles themselves can crack and break.
2. Poor Roof Installation
Poor installation is one of the most common causes of roof leaks. For example, if shingles are installed too low, water can build up inside them, causing them to become heavy, break off, and lead to leaks.
Additionally, if the underlayment of your roof is not properly installed, water can seep in and cause damage. As such, it’s important to take the time to ensure that your roof is installed correctly.
You should also make sure that all roofing contractors are certified. This will ensure that your roof is installed to the best specifications and standards.
3. Ice Dams
An ice dam is a block of ice that forms at the border of your roof. This prevents water from draining down, eventually causing a dam that weighs on the roof.
To prevent ice dams, make sure that you clear your roof of snow and ice as soon as it snows, and use heat cables when necessary.
You can help stop ice dams by installing roof vents if you have a metal roof. These will allow the trapped warm air to escape from the roof, helping to prevent the formation of ice.
4. Broken or Missing Roof Tiles or Slates
Missing or broken roof tiles or slates can cause substantial damage to your roof and lead to leaks. This is because they are designed to help divert water away from your roof and prevent leaks.
For this reason, missing or broken tiles or slates should be replaced as soon as possible to help prevent roof leaks. You should also be on the lookout for loose tiles and make sure that they are properly affixed.
5. Poor Water Drainage
A clogged drainage system is another example of a situation that can cause build up on your roof, leading to leaks.
To prevent this, you should make sure that all gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning properly. You can also add extra drainage systems to increase your roof’s drainage capacity.
In Conclusion
Roof leaks are common, and can cause substantial damage if left untreated. Unfortunately, many homeowners ignore these issues until a leak is so severe that it requires immediate leaky roof repair.
Taking the time to regularly inspect your roof for common causes of leaks can help to prevent costly damage from occurring. If you do notice signs of a leak, don’t hesitate to contact a roofing contractor.
They will be able to conduct an inspection, identify the cause of the leak, and recommend an effective leaky roof repair method.
