5 Areas to Look for Roof Leaks and Their Causes
A leaking roof can be quite a headache to deal with. Just the process of finding the leak and what causes it can take a lot of time and effort to do. This is because a leak may start at one point on the roof, but the water may show up inside the house many feet away from the actual source, making things a lot more problematic. As a solution, we've compiled a list of the common causes of roof leaks, so you know exactly what to look for and why they happen.
1. Cracked Flashing
One of the most common causes of roof leaks is cracked flashing. If the flashings are old and worn out, they may not be able to provide good protection from severe weather conditions. As a result, water may seep through the cracks and cause the roof to leak.
If your roof's flashing is cracked, it may be due to exposure to elements like wind and rain. Over time, the sealant used by roofers (usually tar) can also corrode and contribute to the problem. To avoid this, you should check the flashings regularly for any cracks or damages and have them replaced right away.
2. Broken Roof Shingles
If you see shingles that are missing or broken, it indicates that your roof is in need of repair. Broken shingles are the result of prolonged exposure to weather and the elements. So it's only natural to find a few broken shingles, especially if your roofing is already quite old. It's essential to have them replaced as soon as possible to prevent water from seeping into your home. You can replace the broken shingles yourself or have a professional do the job.
3. Pipe Boot Failure
If you're thinking of hiring a roofing contractor to inspect your roof, make sure that they also check the pipe boots. A pipe boot is a rubber gasket that seals the opening created by the pipes that are installed on your roof. Pipe boots can fail over time, causing water to leak into your home. If the leak is severe, it can cause serious damage to your home.
4. Improperly Driven Nails
Another common roofing issue that can lead to roof leaks is improperly driven nails. Many roofing contractors will try to save time by using an air compressor to drive the nails into your roof. However, this can lead to the nails being driven too deep, which can cause the shingles to loosen. In addition, if the nails are driven too deep, they can puncture the roofing membrane, which can cause leaks.
5. Debris in the Gutter
If the gutters are full of leaves and other debris, they will not be able to properly drain the water away from your roof. When the water is not able to properly drain away, it will sit on the roof and eventually seep into your home through any cracks or holes in the roof. In order to prevent this from happening, it is important to keep your gutters clean and free of debris.
Conclusion
Whether you have a new roof or one that has lasted a lifetime, wear and tear is very much unavoidable. However, with a little bit of prevention, you can avoid the headache of roof leaks and keep your home in tip-top shape. If you are having problems with your roof, you may be able to avoid major repairs by maintaining your roof properly and hiring a qualified contractor to do it for you.
JADA Roofing, LLC is a premier full-service roofing contractor serving the Greater Jacksonville area. As a Florida roofing company, we service all variations of residential and commercial roofing. We pride ourselves on an unparalleled level of customer service tradition that we commit to with each and every client. Whenever you have roofing problems that need to be resolved quickly and efficiently, JADA Roofing, LLC is the one to call. Contact us today to request a quote.
