6 Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Maintaining the integrity of your roof is essential for keeping your home safe and secure. It’s the part of your home that protects from natural elements like rain, snow, wind, heat, and cold. Over time, roofs can experience wear and tear. You may notice shingles that have become curled, cracked, or missing, and as a result, you may also notice leaks or water damage inside of your home. This includes damage to your ceilings, attics, drywall, and insulation, as well as the growth of mold and mildew.

If you suspect you have a roof leak, it’s important to understand what could be causing it and where it could be originating from. It can range from an aging roof, missing shingles, clogged gutters, or from skylights and chimneys. Here are the most common causes of roof leaks:

Aging Roof

The first thing to consider is the age of your roof. The average lifespan of shingles can be anywhere between 15-25 years depending on the materials used. When you near the end of that time, your roof may experience wear and tear from weather and extreme seasonal temperatures in your area.

Broken/Missing Shingles

This is one of the leading causes of roof leaks, whether you have a few broken shingles or an entire area missing. Rain, snow, and other weather elements can seep through the materials, causing damage to the roofing structure, drywall, and surrounding insulation.

Holes in the Roof

Experiencing extreme winds, storms, or hail could cause holes to be made in the roof. It goes without saying that with any area exposing the inside of your home, seeking professional contractors for a roof replacement would be in your best interest.

Clogged Gutters

When gutters are clear, they’re able to collect rainwater and move it away from the structure of your home. When they’re clogged, leaves and other debris stop the current of water, which leads to gutters becoming clogged, an increase of weight on the roof, and risk of roof leaks.

Roof Vents

Roof vents are another common cause of roof leaks. When the tight seal around vent pipe becomes compromised, rainwater can start dripping in. You may notice water leaking in the attic, brown water stains on a ceiling, or both.

Chimney

The junction of a chimney and roofline is critical to protecting against roof leaks. Sheet metal flashing acts as a barrier to ensure a watertight seal. However, heavy snow, rain, and inadequate installation can cause flashing to fail. This can allow water to seep into the chimney and cause water damage.

Skylights

Skylights are a great way to increase natural light, but can also cause roof leaks. If the skylight was improperly installed, or if the seal between the frame and roof is compromised, it could lead to water leaks and further damage.

If you notice any signs of aging, warping, or damage of any kind, it’s best to contact professional roofing contractors to get your roof repaired before any further damage takes place. Graves Brothers Home Improvement provides a thorough roof inspection, estimate of the options available to you, and professional repair and replacement so you can protect your home. Contact a location nearest to you, and our team will answer any questions and schedule you on our calendar. We serve the Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, Tarrytown, Center Valley, and West Hartford areas. Call the phone numbers below or send an email through our secure contact form to get started.