Common Causes of Roof Leaks and How to Identify Them

A roof is one of the most critical construction components of any residential property. As the top layer of protection from all of Mother Natures many elements, this key piece sustains a lot of wear and tear from exposure over the years. Fortunately, most roofing materials are now built to last anywhere from 15 to 30-plus years without needing replacement, however, there are always going to be instances where homeowners find something may be wrong. One of the most common issues with a roof is leakage and evidence of such an event can often be startling for homeowners. Appearing as a discolored wet spot on the ceiling or atop the drywall, seeing signs that something is wrong up above should warrant immediate action.

Roof leaking repair tips come in all shapes and sizes but something of this magnitude should always be left to the professionals. Not only will you then be able to rest easy knowing the issue has been repaired, but with something as important as a roof – making matters worse with a do-it-yourself attempt – could end up costing you considerably. For example, many signs of water damage do not actually present themselves directly underneath the cause of an outside leak. If you simply decide to shore up the above exterior by replacing a few shingles, the actual problem may not be eliminated at all. Then, the next time theres any rain or snowmelt, more water damage appears and it may be over what has already been repaired. Finding the source of the leak and targeting repairs to ensure there are no repetitive issues is the only way to actively protect your home. Unfortunately, there are a variety of different culprits which may cause a leaky exterior.

Installation

Faulty installation, either as part of a new construction or roof replacement, can often lead to a leaking exposure. Depending on who performed the work, there could be inadvertent or improper actions taken, leading to faulty overhead protection. For this reason it is always important to utilize the work of professionals and especially those that have a quality reputation or come with quality recommendations. A professional service will be alongside you every step of the way, with no surprises, a proper timeline, and guaranteed work.

Shingles

Over time, shingles can become detached from the roof or damaged due to everyday exposure of the elements. This may lead to a potential leak in the roof and could cause damage depending on the severity at a point of entry. While a full roof replacement may not be necessary once the breach is identified, its always important to receive a professional recommendation on the best course of action for repair. In addition, annual inspections may help to locate these potential problem areas before an actual breach in the roof occurs.
Valley Seals

Different areas of a roof may be more at risk than others and valleys are at the top of this list. These spaces where the pitch points of two different elevations come together can be especially vulnerable to leaks. Due to the nature of their locations and propensity for water to often travel these crevices, if the seals are faulty then leakage is a real possibility.

Flashing

In similar fashion, flashing helps secure all areas of a roof where there is need due to a warranted construction breach. Vents, chimneys, and other roof protrusions from the home require a protective layer around them to help keep water from entering the property. Unfortunately, if these flashing materials degrade over time then the chance of water coming through becomes a real possibility.

Chimney

A cracked or damaged chimney may also lead to water exposure under the roof. If it is determined inside water resulted from an area without a true roof cause or identifying characteristic, then a chimney could be the culprit. As another construction component that breaches the roof out of necessity, all measures should be put in place to ensure the potential risk for a leak is avoided.
Pipes

Plumbing vent pipes also can be responsible for roof leaks if their collars become damaged or deteriorate after installation. These necessary construction features are noticeable on every roof and ensuring that yours arent the cause of any leakage is extremely important for protecting the home.

Neglect

Owner neglect can also lead to living below a leaky roof. As one of the main components of a home, roof inspections and upkeep should warrant a lot more attention. However, often these layers of protection arent surveyed until an issue arises. Conversely, homeowners can help to eliminate these issues by completing routine inspections and addressing any problem areas before a true leak does emerge.

Weather

Even with expert installations and routine inspections, a roof must still be able to withstand the impacts of Mother Nature and, unfortunately, this is not always the case. High winds, hail, ice dams, and other weather elements can put any home at risk for the potential formation of a leak. In the event there is damage and a leak ensues, a professional remedy once it is safe to do so should obviously be sought.

With a wealth of knowledge and experience, quality service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area for years as we handle any and all roofing, siding, or gutter needs. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been installing vinyl siding, completing gutter and roof installations, evaluations, and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any repair, remodel, or new construction project, if needed, as well as any type of inspection you wish to have completed. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your existing siding materials, gutters, roof, or already have an issue, we are here to help. Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any siding, gutter construction, roofing job, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for the purposes of insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above mentioned projects!

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