A leaking roof is one of the worst issues that any homeowner can encounter, mostly because it’s a problem that can cause huge amounts of damage in a very short space of time. As such, knowing the causes of roof leaks and how to prevent roof leakage is essential.
Here are five of the most common causes of roof leaks, as well as how to stop them.
1| Blocked Home Gutters
Gutters have a huge role to play in diverting rainwater away from the property, but blockages will lead to overflows and pooling water on the roof. The pooled water can soon seep through the roof to cause a lot of damage. To prevent this happening, you should regularly inspect the gutters to confirm that no leaves and debris are caught in the pipes. Alternatively, you can invest in a gutter guard that significantly reduces the amount of debris that enters the gutters without impacting the water collection.
2| Broken Tiles or Shingles
When tiles or shingles become cracked, chipped, or misaligned, it creates an access point for water to penetrate the roof and under the building below. You can prevent damage to tiles by taking care whenever you go on the roof. In truth, though, it’s impossible to prevent all weather damage, which is why you must stay vigilant at all times. If you spot a crack or a poorly positioned shingles, fix the issue before rainwater is allowed to cause damage to the property.
3| Damaged Roof Vents
Roof vents are an integral feature of the roof, allowing for excess moisture to escape the property. If they become cracked, though, they will allow moisture to leak through into the property. As well as cracks to the vents, you must check the flashing and tubing that’s used to seal the vent. Pay attention to the flashing and tubing, repairing those items if weather damage occurs. Meanwhile, the vent itself is likely to show visible signs of dark mold when a problem occurs. Treat it before leaks escalate.
4| Holes
When you remove a TV antenna or any other item that was fixed to the roof, it’s possible that it will leave a hole. Even a tiny hole can allow water to flow into the property, causing damage to the wood and other materials of the attic underneath, subsequently damaging the rooms below. The best solution is to seal all holes immediately after removing those items. Or if you have already removed an antenna in the past, now is the time to take control of the situation.
5| Broken Chimney Stack
The chimney stack is a common culprit for roof leakages, even if the structure as a whole is one of the most robust features of the entire roof. Cracks to the crown damaged flashing, and inadequate mortar is a common issue. Sealing the flashing, checking the mud cap, and replacing any brickwork or mortar that requires a little TLC is vital. Patches are another cost-effective solution that will stop water from getting in. This will subsequently support the health of the entire roof including the surrounding tiles.
If you’ve recently encountered any of these common causes of roof leaks, or need immediate roof repair don’t hesitate to call us at (503) 659-7663. We Specialize in residential and commercial roof repair in Portland, Salem, Vancouver and all of the Northwest.
