A leaking roof can seem like an insignificant problem at first, but it can escalate and cause you thousands of dollars in repairs if not dealt with immediately. A roof leak can start as a drip, but they end up causing serious damage to the ceiling and, in worse cases, the floor in the affected area. Detecting the origin of a leaking roof can be daunting, especially if you lack the required skills. As such, it can help to engage professionals. In this article, we will cover a variety of causes of rook leaks and ways to mitigate the problem. Let’s dive right into it.
What Causes Roof Leaks
Many factors can cause roof leaks, but mostly they are placed into three broad categories: age, acute damage, and poor workmanship, especially during installation.
Age
Like with most things, it’s not uncommon for roofs to wear and tear after many years of weathering the elements, including rain, sun, and dust. While most roofing solutions, such as tiles, are made to last, they are bound to give way at some point. One possible solution is cleaning your roof regularly, including removing leaves and any debris which can cause corrosion.
Poor Workmanship
Nowadays, most people seeking certain services turn to the internet and conduct a search and settle for the first company they come across. Some are lucky to get highly qualified professionals, while some end up receiving sub-standard services. Failure to install flashing properly means that your roof can leak as soon as it’s installed, which means you’ll lose your hard-earned cash.
Moreover, it can be that the flashing was done properly, and the leak is a result of normal wear and tear and exposure to extremely harsh weather, including high temperatures. Whatever the case, you may need to hire a professional to repair the flashing if you want to protect your investment.
Broken or Missing Tiles or Slates
Sometimes, a roof leak can be caused by something minor, such as a missing or broken tile or slate. If that’s the case, it’s straightforward to fix within a few minutes. Broken tiles or slates can be caused by falling debris or sometimes by extreme weather such as storms.
It would be best to replace any missing or broken tiles and slates soon to prevent serious issues, including rotting of the sheeting, which may require a complete overhaul and replacement.
Punctured Roof/Debris
A roof can be damaged for many reasons, including adverse weather, such as storms and strong winds. Moreover, debris such as leaves can prevent the free flow of water, which can cause corrosion. The best cure for this is to ensure you clear all debris from your roof, including the gutters.
Improper Ventilation
Improper ventilation results in moisture buildup, especially in certain spaces such as the bathroom and kitchen. The solution is simple because all you need to do is ensure the room is well ventilated. This can help prevent some roof leakages.
The Slope
If a roof slope is shallow, it can lift the shingles and cause water to sip underneath. The most effective solution for this is using a thick underlay of material. Moreover, paying attention when installing the roof pitch helps ensure your roof can withstand the test of time and prevent leakages.
Cracked Chimney
It’s not uncommon for chimneys to crack, which is the most common reason roofs leak. It’s easy to identify a cracked chimney by observing the mortar areas to identify leaking areas. It can also help to replace all missing mortar.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters are essential in directing water from the roof to the preferred storage space. When the gutters are clogged, it can lead to water buildup and damage, causing the roof to leak. It would be best to remove all debris from the gutter regularly.
Roof Vents
They play a vital role in cooling or heating a particular space in the house, but they can spell doom, especially if they aren’t sealed properly or when they are damaged. Consider hiring an experienced contractor to inspect your home regularly.
Wrong Choice of Materials for Roof Pitch
Certain materials, such as tiles and the like, are only designed for roofs with a certain pitch. The type of roof also plays a vital role in the choice of underlay used. Failure to abide by these can cause your roof to leak.
A tiled roof with a pitched roof is more susceptible to the elements, and professionals recommend that space be left between the tiles and use more fixings to hold them in place.
Damage When Working on Your Roof
Most roofing materials are made to withstand the test of time. With that being said, however, they may not accommodate the weight of a human being. Its recommended to step on the apex of tiles when working on the roof to avoid damaging the tiles.
Wild Animals
If you live near a forest, you’re bound to encounter some wild animals once in a while, which can leave havoc on your roof. Some of them make holes in the roof, and this can spell doom, especially if it’s already experiencing mild leakage.
The best way to keep wild animals at bay is to ensure the roof is sparkling clean because they are mostly affected by the debris.
Overhanging trees
This one goes without saying. If you have large trees that tower above your house, they can destroy your roof by falling branches or decaying matter from leaves. Trees also tend to attract birds and other insects that can gnaw on your roof. You can deal with this problem by pruning the long branches or cutting down the tree entirely.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered some of the reasons why roofs leak and some of their possible solutions. To protect your investment, which is your house, you should ensure you take all the measures to mitigate roof leakages. Hiring an experienced professional is commended if you lack the time or skills to repair the roof yourself. And remember, prevention is better than cure. Protect your roof and get it repaired by elite services!
