COMMON CAUSES

Roof leaks and their causes can vary greatly and the source of a leak can be surprising.

Poor Roof Installation – without the proper installation of your roofing system (decking, underlayment, flashing, ridge ventilation and ridge shingles) to manufacturer specifications, your roof cannot protect your home from water penetration and roofing leaks.

Shingle Blow Off – with high winds shingle blow-offs are common and missing shingles need to be replaced quickly to prevent further damage to your home.

Buckled Shingles – buckled shingles happen as a result of asphalt shingles not laying flat which are caused by wrinkles in the underlayment or the movement of the wood roof decking.

Cracked or Broken Shingles – cracked or broken asphalt shingles can happen as a result of storms and falling tree limbs or other debris hitting or accumulating on your roof.

Ice Dams – ice dams occur in winter when accumulated snow on a roof melts and drains. When the melting snow reaches the eaves of a roof system, where it is much colder, the melting snow freezes causing an ice dam. As more snow melts and drains it cannot bypass the ice dam and backs up under the shingles and other roofing materials. This allows water to enter the attic, causing roof leaks and damage to insulation and interior ceilings.

Roof Leaks sources, valleys, flashing and vent pipes

Flashing – without the proper flashing and sealing of chimneys, roof vents, under shingles and at valleys roof leaks are possible.

Valley Leaks – valleys are a problem area because cut shingles within a valley create an edge for water to get under the shingles. Install ice and water shield in roof valleys, then roof felt needs to be installed securely over the ice and water shield in the valley areas to aid in the prevention of roof leaks.

Roof Vent Boots – outside temperatures naturally allow your roof to expand and contract and your roof vent boots can shift, curl up or crack, allowing water to penetrate your home.

Poor Ventilation – Attic Condensation – with poor attic ventilation roof and attic temperatures can reach very high temperatures causing moisture condensation in the attic space. This condition can lead to mold development on the underside of the roof decking, on roof trusses and insulation.

Skylight Leaks – improperly installed skylights and skylight flashing that is damaged or that has cracked over time is a source of leaks.

Clogged Gutters – gutters can back up if not cleaned regularly allowing water to pool and infiltrate the interior of your home. Clogged gutters can also cause foundation issues if water is not properly diverted away from your home.

Cracked Chimney – look for wear around the chimney cap, missing mortar in joints, loose shingles in the general chimney area and cracked or missing flashing.

Age – your roof will not last forever and as a roof ages asphalt shingle granules will wear off over time allowing UV rays to deteriorate your shingles. Other signs of age are shingle curling which can lead to shingle blow off during storms.

INTERIOR INDICATORS

Interior indications that you have a roof leak are water staining on interior drywall ceilings, dripping water and a musty smell in your attic space or visible mold.

Water will follow the path of least resistance and to determine the source of the leak requires the services of an experienced and knowledgeable roofing expert. It is important to hire a licensed roofing contractor who is trained and certified in the proper installation and diagnosis of the underlying causes of roof leaks and their repair or roof replacement.

NuHome is a Certified GAF Mater Elite Weather Stopper Roofing Contractor an accreditation held by less than 3 percent of roofing contractors. Contact us to schedule a roof leak detection inspection or call 571-200-8258 .

 

ROOF LEAKS AND THEIR UNDERLYING CAUSES

Experiencing a roof leak and need a roof evaluation?