Friday, October 14, 2022

Roof Leaks: The Most Common Causes



Leakage from the roof can be uncomfortable for anyone living in the house. It can cause damage to your roof and interior decor. Roof leaks can also increase your energy bills.

Many residential roof leakages can be caused by many factors. Here’s a list of nine common causes of roof leakage in residential homes and the best ways to fix them.

Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Broken or Missing Asphalt Shingles

Roof leakages are most commonly caused by damaged or broken shingles. You might begin to notice shingles granules disappearing after a few years. Exposure to the elements can cause granule loss.

Strong storms can make some shingles go missing. A storm can also cause trees to fall onto your roof, which can damage the shingles.

To prevent branches from falling onto your roof, you can prune trees near the house during storm seasons. To repair or replace damaged shingles, a roofing contractor can be contacted.

Water Pooling on the Roof

Your roofing’s life expectancy can be affected by the slope of your roof. A steep slope roof will allow rainwater and ice to run down quickly. Flat roofs, on the other hand, have water run down slower, which can lead to a water pooling.

When water remains on the roof for long periods of time, the shingles absorb it. Water absorption damages and weakens the shingles, leading to leakage into your attic or home.

A steep slope is the best option for your home. If that’s not possible, you can make sure that your roof doesn’t get flooded by heavy rains.

Rain gutters that are blocked

A clogged rain gutter can lead to water pooling, similar to a flat roof. Water pooling can cause damage to the roof’s foundation. If you notice that water doesn’t drip from your roof after rain, it could be water pooling.

Unclogging the rain gutter is the best way to stop water pooling. How can you do this? The roof must be climbed. Next, remove any debris that is clogging up the channel.

Frequent human traffic on residential roofs

Roof leakage can also be caused by humans. Are you and your family frequent occupants of the roof? Shingles can be damaged by the constant human activity on the roof. Asphalt shingles and most roofing materials are very fragile. They are easily broken or torn.

It is difficult to see the dents and tears with an untrained eye. If possible, it’s best to not use your roof often. If you suspect that your roof is leaking, only let a professional roofing contractor in Myrtle Beach inspect it.

A professional roofing contractor will inspect your roof and save you money. They will be able to spot subtle dents and signs that your roof is leaking faster. A roof inspection is a good idea, especially after storms or when the roof is reaching its end.

Popped Up Nails

Do you have nails that are sticking up on your body? It is time to get it fixed. Nails can cause damage to shingles and create holes during the roof installation. Roof leaks are most commonly caused by holes in the roof caused when nails poke up.

Is there a reason for nail popping in roofing materials, particularly asphalt shingles?

  • Nails too short
  • Improper nailing
  • Weak roof decking
  • Caulking that is old and worn out

It’s usually easy to see a nail popping from the ground. The ground will show discoloration and raised shingles. To replace broken shingles or nails, you need an expert roofer in Myrtle Beach.

Incorrect Installation of Roof Flashing

Roof flashing refers to the metal sheet that is applied at the joints of the roof shingles. Roof leakage is often caused by flashing.

The gap below the flashing could be exposed if the flashing is not installed correctly or is corroded. This could lead to severe leakage in the attic.

A new roof flashing can be installed to replace an old, corroded one. You may notice leaks if the roof flashing is not installed correctly.

Skylights, Vents and Chimneys Damaged or Improperly Installed

Roofs can be damaged by vents, skylights and chimneys. Incorrect installation of heating elements can lead to roof water leakage.

Roof vents are pipes that run from the roof to control the humidity. If they aren’t installed correctly, they can leak. Seal any gaps around the device to stop leakage.

Brick chimneys can become porous over time. It can be fixed by replacing the mortar.

Roof Ice dams

An ice dam forms around the roof’s edges, preventing melting snow from draining off.

Ice dams are caused by uneven roof temperatures. This is usually caused by heat loss from the home. An ice dam heats a portion of the roof.

To determine the source of an ice dam, it is a good idea to hire a professional. You could injure or damage your roof if you try to repair it during winter.

Old residential roofs

They say that everything with a beginning has an ending. Your roofing is no different. An asphalt shingle lasts between 20 and 25 years on average. Exposure to the elements can cause roof wear. The roof will become less durable with age.

Roof leaks can be prevented by replacing your roof or having it re-roofed.

It is a good idea to have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof in order to determine which option would be best – roof replacement or roof re-roofing.

Roof Leakage: Hire a Residential Roof Repair Contractor

You should call a roofing contractor if you have noticed any leakages in your house recently.

We can solve any roofing problem. We are licensed and certified general contractors that work with insurance companies to repair your roof.

Call Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration now if you need the help of a roofing contractor.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about roofing services.

Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
843-222-9796
https://www.greglillyroofingandrestoration.com

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