There are several causes of leaky roofs. Understanding these causes will help you maintain your roof better and quickly identify any leaks on your roof. Read on for the five common causes of leaky roofs.
The Age of the Roof
One of the most common causes of leaky roofs is age. Unfortunately, with age, you can’t really call a roofing repair service. The best way to deal with an old leaky roof is to replace it with a new one. A roofing repair service will only be able to patch things up, but replacing your roof is inevitable. As the roof gets older, it starts to lose its ability to keep the water out. Roofs older than 20 years will have been exposed to extreme temperatures, adverse weather, and impacts, all of which can damage shingles and lead to leaks.
Broken or Missing Shingles
This is another common cause of leaky roofs. Shingles are the primary mode of protection on the roof’s surface. So, once they start getting damaged, it will only be a matter of time before your roof starts to leak. If you notice any shingles on the ground or granules of shingles, it’s best to call a roofing repair service so they can replace the missing or broken shingles.
Valleys Sealed Poorly
Valleys are one of the common weak points that are susceptible to leaks. If the flashing of the valley has been damaged, water will find its way into the house. If the valley starts leaking, you will need to replace the lead flashing. To reduce the risk of leaks, valleys must always receive 24-inch wide ice and water barrier, according to Roofcalc.org. This barrier must be installed in the entire length of the valley.
Damaged Roofing Membranes
While your shingles are the first line of defense, there is also a second layer of membranes underneath. These membranes are designed to keep out small levels of moisture, which is then ferried to the gutters. If roof membranes are exposed to a lot of water, the underlay will start to rot, and this will cause leaks. Again, these issues can be easily fixed by calling a roofing repair service.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are notorious for causing roof leaks, which is why they must be avoided at all times. These are ridges of ice that form at roof edges. As a result, they prevent snow from draining off. Damage to the roof can occur for two reasons. It might be due to the weight of the ice or the constant contact between water and the surface of the roof.
These are the most common causes of roof leaks. If you discover a roof leak in your home, it must be attended to as soon as possible. Call SoCo Roofing and Restoration today for the best roofing repair service in your area.
