If you own a home with an older roof, chances are at some point you have come home to water dripping from your ceiling, skylight, or fixtures. The sound of dripping water behind your walls is also a sign of a roof leak. Leaky roofs are a common problem for homeowners; and as roofs age, the likelihood of a leak only increases. So what are the most common roof leak causes? There are a number of reasons your roof may leak, even if you are vigilant about regular maintenance. Below are the top 4 reasons your roof may be leaking.
Weather Exposure
No roof is completely impervious to the effects of weather. In more extreme climates, roofs have a much shorter life span. Regardless of the season, weather will affect your roof. Sun, rain, sleet, ice, wind, and snow are all responsible for degradation of roofing materials; sun exposure dries shingles and roofing paper, wind can strip shingles, and rain, ice and snow are obvious causes of roof leaks.
Combined wind and rain is another major contributing factor to leaky roofs. As wind causes rain to fly in various directions, angled rain can get under roof coverings and cause damage to roof structures in addition to leaks. In addition, ice is particularly damaging for roofs in northern climates. Ice collects on eaves and may create what is known as an ice dam. Ice dams block drain water thereby causing ice buildup under flashings and roofing paper. Ice and water overflow can then get into your house, and is your house is considerably warmer than the outdoors the ice melts and leaks form.
Blocked Gutters
Blocked gutters are another factor that commonly leads to roof leaks. Regular maintenance can prevent blocked gutters from becoming a problem thereby preventing leaks. Before rainy or snowy seasons make sure you clear leaves and debris from your gutters to allow proper drainage from your roof. Debris collected in your gutters not only increases the likelihood of damage to your roof, but it also causes ice dams to form.
Poor Construction
As is the case with any major home renovation or project, it is important to work with qualified, experienced professionals. Poor roof construction is one of the leading causes of leaky roofs. Sometimes it makes sense to go with the lowest bidder, but when it comes to roof construction, you want to work with an expert who has a track record of exceptional work.
Leaky Fixtures
Skylights, air conditioners, chimneys, and other fixtures that are not installed correctly are a frequent source of roof leaks. In fact, in many cases the act of installing these structures, especially as a renovation, diminishes the quality of your roof making it more susceptible to leaks.