Most of us are guilty of taking the roof over our head for granted at one time or another; we just don’t tend to think about it until it stops working or it starts leaking, that is. And when your roof is leaking, you just can’t ignore it or put it off for another day. The simple fact of the matter is, by the time your roof is actually leaking, the problems lurking around your home may already be a serious issue. That leak can cause all sorts of nasty things for you including damaged ceilings, water stains, rot, mold and structural damage just to name a few.
A roof can leak for a number of reasons — from storm damage to shingle decay to age and everything in between. If your roof is leaking, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact a reputable, insured roofing company to inspect the issues, find the source of your leak and have it properly and promptly repaired. Acting quickly if you find a leak can save you thousands of dollars and a whole lot of misery.
Seven Reasons Your Roof May Be Leaking
1) Flashing
Flashing is actually the most common reason that your roof may be leaking. Any thin metal strip, fitting or sheet that covers a seam on your roof is called flashing and when the flashing is eroded or damaged, the leaks can begin. Moreover, if your contractor failed to install any flashing at all (and this actually does happen!), leaks can and will become an issue.
2) Chimneys
Chimney stacks tend to collect water that can trickle down and go through tiny spaces. If there is any collection of water around the chimney area, then these pools could lead to leaks.
3) Plumbing Penetrations
Running pipes through the roof is a necessary evil but not always a good idea. Most builders know this, but they still go ahead and do it. The holes (once sealed) can leave spaces and when it rains, the water trickles through the spaces and onto and through your ceiling.
4) Skylights
Skylights are a beautiful addition to your home…they add pizazz and they bring in natural light and brighten up your interior. However, if improperly installed, skylights can cause big problems including leaks.
5) Shingles and Fasteners
During a storm or with heavy winds, roof fasteners and shingles can be dislodged and damaged pretty easily leaving a perfect path for water to move through and get into the underside of your roof causing all sorts of problems including leaks.
6) Prior Workmanship
Poor workmanship and improper roof installation is one of the major reasons a homeowner experiences a leak. The builders and contractors you choose to install your roof can play a big part in whether your roof will leak or not in the long run. Poor workmanship can lead to leaks so please remember to choose highly qualified professionals who are experienced with the type of roof installation you are looking for.
7) The Roof’s Age
If your roof is closing in on old age (15-20 years or more), the more likely it is to have an issue, especially if you haven’t kept up with routine maintenance. The original roofing material simply may need to be replaced if your roof is near its maximum lifespan.
If you are dealing with a roof leak, WCC Roofing can help you with a thorough inspection, detailed action plan and a roofing repair or replacement estimate. Call our 24 Hour roofing repair hotline at 314-596-0596 or email us at [email protected].
