The roof is one of the most important features of our home. It protects us and everything inside our home from the heat of the sun and rain. But, like any other features of your home, your roof will take a toll on the harshness of the external environment over time and will show signs of problems such as roof leaks. 

A roof leak is a great challenge to many homeowners since it can cause more serious problems such as molds growth and structural damage if not addressed right away. Worse is, it can create a fire hazard if the leak finds its way to your home’s electrical wiring. To be able to address roof leaks effectively, it is important to determine what causes it. Here are the most common causes of roof leaks.

Common causes of roof leaks

• Broken or missing shingles

Missing shingles is the most common cause of roof leaks, especially after heavy rain or hurricane season. The purpose of roof shingle is to cover underlayment; thus, keeping the water from entering your home. Before and after a storm, examine your roof for shingles that are not properly nailed down. Then replace shingles that are missing or damaged and underlayment. For shingles replacement, you may want to leave it to a roofing expert to prevent accidents and further damage your roof.

• Damaged flashing

Roof flashings are rolls of metal installed on your roof as part of your roofing water barrier system. It is designed to resist water and stand strong winds. However, the tarring used to secure flashing together is not as water-resistant and will corrode over time. When this happens, the flashings will be more exposed to changing weather conditions and may form cracks. A roof leak caused by damaged flashings can be hard to detect. When you notice that your flashings are beginning to crack, call a professional to fix it right away.

• Clogged gutter

Another common and easy to spot problem-related to your roofing system is a clogged gutter. Dry leaves, broken twigs, and other debris can get stock on your gutter. Accumulation of debris can clog the gutter, causing the rainwater overflow or pool in one area of your roof, allowing the water to penetrate your home through the cracks. It is essential to regularly clean your gutter to prevent it from causing roof leaks and water damage.

• Improper installation of skylights

While skylights are a great addition to your home features, it can also cause roof leaks if not installed properly. The good thing with roof leaks caused by improper installation of skylights is that it can be easily spotted; there should be wet spots or stains around the side of the skylights. Call a professional roofing contractor to inspect your skylights, especially on the area with dripping spots, and have it repaired as soon as possible. 

• Leaking vent

Roof vents are small pipes placed on top of the roof that serves as a ventilation system, allowing airflow and expelling excess moisture from the inside of the house. Leaks usually happen when the rubber boots around the base of the vent deteriorate and become damaged. 

Do not wait for roof leaks to damage the structure of your home. If you have noticed the signs mentioned above, call Davis Roofing, a professional roofing contractor, right away to help you fix the problem.