Top 5 Causes For Your Homes Leaky Roof

It’s no secret that home repairs are costly.

In 2015, for instance, homeowners in the United States spent over 326 billion on repairs and improvements.

Roofs are one of the most common repairs, needed, but you can stay ahead of the game (and save yourself money!) if you know what sort of issues you’re looking for.

If you can catch a leaky roof early, you may even be able to do the repairs yourself.

Top 5 Causes of a Leaky Roof

Flashing

Flashing, which are thin pieces of metal installed at high-risk spots on your roof, are a vital part of keeping you dry.

Flashing seals at transition areas where two parts of your roof meet and water may collect to run down. It also seals around chimneys and skylights.

Proper installation is vital for flashing to do its job. Missing nails or improperly sealed flashing can easily lead to a leaky roof.

Missing Shingles

Missing shingles could be the culprit of the dripping in your attic.

A shingle can be missing due to high storm winds or an animal could have caused the damage.

Either way, the faster you replace the shingle, the faster your attic will dry up.

Check the garage to see if you have a few shingles left from the last time the roof was replaced. It won’t match exactly, but it will do its job to protect your house.

Clogged Gutters

Though it’s a chore that most of us scorn, skipping this one could be the reason for your leaky roof.

Without anywhere to go, rainwater will pool on your roof and start to seep in.

So get out there at least once a year or even pay somebody else to do it. It’ll be cheaper than repairing water damage.

If you’re ready to delve in and try it yourself, check out our blog with some great gutter cleaning tips.

Holes

Holes could be caused by something as small as a roofing nail that missed its mark or by the previous owner’s old antenna that was taken done.

Either of these could exist for years without problems but eventually will start to draw water into your house.

Some flashing and caulk under the shingle should seal up a hole and stop the water.

Age

In Southern California, the average life expectancy of a roof doesn’t exceed 20 years.

So if your college senior daughter was a baby when you slapped on your new shingles, it’s no wonder you’re starting to notice water spots on your bedroom ceiling.

Some types of roofing, like metal, can last longer than other types, but each of them will still need replacement in your lifetime.

Shingles get old, become cracked and dry from weather and sunlight, then start to cause gaps in your roofing protection.

Ready to Fix Your Leaky Roof?

It can be difficult to see damage from the ground, so grab a ladder and carefully walk around up there, assessing all parts of the roof.

Spending some money to fix small issues now will save you from the headache of expensive repair bills down the road.

If you are in need of an inspection or repair, or if you’re looking to replace your roof, contact us today and we’ll give you a free estimate!