3 Reasons Your Roof Is Leaking And What To Do About It
Posted on: 7 June 2021
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Your roof protects you from exposure to various harsh elements, such as rough winters, storms, strong winds, and unforgiving summers, and makes you feel safe while indoors. As such, the last thing you want is dark stains on your ceiling or droplets of water flowing into your home every time it rains.
While a leaking roof will often catch you by surprise, you must take immediate action to avoid costly roof damage. Even one small drip can be a tell-tale sign of a more significant roofing problem. Here are three culprits behind a leaking roof.
1. Compromised Flashing
Damaged or worn-out flashing is one of the leading causes of a leaking roof and can be hard to identify without expert inspection. Flashing serves to direct water off your roof, and damaged flashing will create extensive roof problems far beyond the compromised area. If you suspect damage to your flashing due to age, extreme weather, or damage while cleaning the roof, you should call an experienced roofing contractor to fix the problem.
2. Missing Shingles
Damaged or missing shingles are often easy to spot since they cover the exterior layer of your roof. Unfortunately, missing shingles are common in areas with extreme elements such as heavy rains, strong winds, or hailstorms. Like most homeowners, you are likely to ignore a missing shingle or two until you experience a roof leak. The good news is that missing shingles will not lead to leaks right away. You will have ample time to call in a roofing expert to replace them before you experience more significant problems.
3. Damaged Skylights
Condensation buildup, wet spots, and leaks on a skylight can be attributed to damaged seals. Damaged flashing or lifted shingles near the skylight will also make it easy for water to sip through. A leaking skylight is notoriously hard to deal with, and a qualified roofing contractor is your only option when it comes to resolving the problem. Proper installation is crucial if you want your skylight to last as long as your roof, without leaking.
If you find that your roof is leaking, you want your roofing contractor to come in as soon as possible to evaluate the damage and provide a permanent fix. The longer you use drip buckets or roofing tape, the worse the problem could get. Beyond fixing the leak, you want to ensure you work with roofing companies that offer warranties on material and reliable maintenance services to prevent damage before it occurs.