What Causes A Leaky Roof?
Roof leaks are quite common. They are identified as dark stains on the ceilings and streaks on walls, or in worse cases, actual water droplets dripping from the roof. A roof leak might seem like it’s appeared out of the blue, but it isn’t something that happens suddenly. If you notice any signs of a leaky roof, it is because there had been damages to your roof for a long period of time; it is only now that you’ve started to notice these signs.
If you are not sure what causes a roof to leak, you need not worry. We have listed down some of the most common causes of leaky roofs for you to be able to prevent a leaky roof altogether.
1. Compromised Shingles
The shingles on your roof may rip off the roof due to heavy winds, storms, or might be compromised due to poor workmanship. Whatever the reason is, when shingles get compromised, the integrity of the roof system gets affected and with that, the chances of getting a roof leak soar. If too many shingles have fallen or blown off, the damage can be spotted from the ground, but other times, you might need to call a professional for a thorough inspection.
2. Damaged Valleys
A valley is the V-shaped zone that forms where two sloping roofs meet. A punctured valley is one of the most common causes of leaky roofs. The damage to the valley can be of two types; open valley, where the valley metal gets damaged or closed valley, where the shingles suffer damage. These damages may be due to buildup of debris or accidental damage by someone stepping on them.
3. Poor Installation
It is always recommended that you hire professional roofers for roof repair and installation, even if they are a little out of your budget. Hiring a cheap service provider may seem intriguing, but in the long run, poor roof installation can result in leaky roofs. Getting a leaky roof fixed is very costly, and a lot more money than what you tried saving earlier has to be spent on repairs.
4. Water Pooling
If there is an excessive buildup of debris on your roof, it might cause an obstruction of the water flow, eventually leading to water pooling on the rooftop. If the water continues to stand for prolonged periods of time, it will eventually seep into your roof and leak into your home.
5. Roof Damage
Your roof may get damaged due to a tree limb or branch falling over it. This is more common after a storm. If your roof gets damaged, it makes way for water from rainfall or snowfall to get into your home through the crack or hole in the roof.
6. Aged Roof
One of the most obvious causes of leaky roofs is an aged roof. People keep delaying roof repair or replacement because of the cost they’ll have to bear. Like everything else, a roof has a certain lifespan, and beyond that, it fails to provide the functionality it once used to.
Summary
A leaky roof can be avoided if you’re vigilant and mindful enough. Getting your roof inspected by a professional roofer regularly, especially after storms or extreme weathers, will bring in light any damage that you may not be able to see yet.