Four Forms Of Damage To Look For On A Leaking Asphalt Shingle Roof

Posted on: 4 January 2022

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Roof leaks can cause severe water damage to your roof deck, attic, and ceiling. The moisture can also encourage mold growth, which deteriorates the air quality in a home. If you have a leaking roof, you should locate the damage and fix it immediately to protect your home from costly repairs. Below are four forms of damage you should look for on your leaking asphalt shingle roof.

Missing or Broken Shingles

Missing or broken shingles allow moisture to penetrate the roof, especially if you don't have an underlay. Inclement weather is a leading cause of missing or broken shingles on asphalt roofing. If your area experiences storms or hail, some shingles can warp or break due to impact from debris and hailstones. Strong winds can also blow away weakened or old shingles, leaving spaces for water to enter. Thus, inspect your roof to locate missing or damaged shingles and replace them to contain the leak. 

Corroded Nails

Rusty screws can allow moisture to infiltrate the roof deck underneath. If you live near the coast, beware that the saline sea air can cause nails and other metal components to rust. Also, if you have an old asphalt roof, there's a high chance the nails are corroded. Rusty nails can easily break or come off the roof, leaving holes that let water into the structure. Corroded nails also make it easy for the wind to dislodge shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable to water damage. Replace old, rusty nails to protect your asphalt roof from leaks.

Worn Flashing

Flashing is a metal or rubber membrane located around the roof vents, chimneys, HVAC equipment, skylights, and other roof penetrations. It sheds water from the roof surface and prevents leaks in the penetrations. Roof flashing can rust, warp, or bend due to natural wear and tear. Inclement weather can also cause flashing damage on the roof. Worn flashing exposes parts of the roof to moisture infiltration; thus, replace it immediately to curb the leak.

Damaged Roof Vents

Roof vents allow moist air to escape from indoor spaces. They have caps that stop rainwater from seeping into the piping and ductwork. Inclement weather can leave your vents with cracks, worn flashing, and missing covers. When this happens, moisture enters the roof and home through the ventilation system. Check your roof vents for physical damage and inspect the flashing around them as well. Replace missing vent caps and install new flashing around the vents to keep moisture out.

If your asphalt roof is leaking, look for the above forms of damage on the structure. However, avoid DIY roof inspections, as they can be unsafe and inaccurate. Contact your roofer for professional roof leak repairs.

Reach out to a roofing expert for more information regarding residential roofing repair solutions.