Exterior

7 Common Reasons Why Your Roof Is Leaking

Share

Some roof shingles can last as long as 50 years. But this doesn’t you’ll never need to perform maintenance or repairs on your roof.

Once you notice your roof is leaking, it could mean getting an entirely new roof. The cause for the leak is the key to know whether or not you need to replace your roof.

image - 7 Common Reasons Why Your Roof Is Leaking
7 Common Reasons Why Your Roof Is Leaking

Take a look at these 7 common reasons why your roof is leaking.


Read Also:


1. Broken Shingles

Shingles are the exterior layer of your roof. When your roof is leaking, it’s easy to spot any broken shingles that might be letting in moisture.

Perform a visual inspection by walking around your home carefully to spot any obvious damage to your shingles.

2. Cracked Vent Booting

The tiny pipes sticking out of the top of your roof are called roof vents. They work by getting rid of the moisture that collects inside your home.

Cracked vent booting leads to a leaking roof. You’ll notice dark spots in the area where the leak occurs.

3. Clogged Gutters

Gutter cleaning should be a regular chore around the house. When the gutters get too full, you’ll experience water trickling from the downspout during rainstorms.

These trickles of water are good news in that that won’t mean replacing your roof, but bad news for the siding of your home.

4. Ice Dam Buildup

During the winter months, a ridge of ice often forms at the edge of your roof. The ice dam buildup prevents snow from melting off the rooftop.

The heavy weight of all the compacted snow damages your roof and can lead to leaks.

5. Skylights Improperly Installed

No skylights should leak. If you’re constantly placing buckets underneath your skylights when it rains, it’s time to get them repaired.

The main cause of leaky skylights is improper installation. Consult with a roofing specialist like J&J Northwoods Construction Inc. to have your skylights professionally inspected.

6. Cracked Chimney

If your roof is leaking, check your chimney for potential cracks. You can also search for signs of wear and tear around the mud cap.

The mud cap is the mortared area at the top of the chimney. Look for holes in mortared joints where the chimney connects to the roof.

7. Attic Condensation

Some leaky roofs don’t come from the roof at all. Condensation in your attic might be the culprit when you see evidence of water damage in the ceiling.

Look around the attic for signs of mildew or growing mold. Once water accumulates in the attic, there will also be a strong odor coming from the area.

What to Do When Your Roof is Leaking

It’s natural to panic when you first notice your roof is leaking. Roof replacement is a costly investment especially if you have a highly durable roof like slate or tile.

But take a closer look before you call out a roof installation team. There might be a much simpler solution to fixing the leak that won’t cost thousands of dollars to repair.

For more information and home design tips, visit our blog for updates.

Recent Posts

  • Home Improvement

The Timeless Beauty and Elegance of Wooden Slat Walls

In the realm of interior design, the quest for striking yet versatile elements often leads…

10 hours ago
  • Home Improvement

Exploring Plumbing Jobs in Sydney

Sydney's plumbing industry is a vibrant and essential sector, offering numerous opportunities for skilled professionals.…

23 hours ago
  • Home Improvement

Frugal Furnishings: 5 Tips for Furnishing Your First Home Without Breaking the Bank

Congratulations! You just bought your first home. Now comes the exciting (and maybe slightly overwhelming)…

2 days ago
  • Home Improvement

3 Common Concrete Problems and How to Solve Them

Concrete is a foundational material for multiple construction projects around you. From the pavements to…

2 days ago
  • Gardening

Attract Wildlife to Your Garden: Landscaping Hacks for Nature Lovers

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden is a rewarding endeavor that invites nature’s symphony right into your…

3 days ago
  • Home Improvement

How Your General Contractor Can Future-Proof Your Renovation

In today's fast-paced world, where trends come and go, and technology evolves rapidly, it's essential…

3 days ago