Common Causes of Roof Leaks

A leaky roof can cause several issues if it does not receive the proper care and attention. Water has the inconvenient ability to make its way in through any cracks or openings and potentially result in significant and expensive damage to your home.

Identifying the location, cause, or severity of a roof leak can be even more challenging. This article will take you through the most common causes of roof leaks and how to spot and handle them.

Your Flashing Has Cracked

Cracked or damaged flashing is easy for a professional to spot, but a homeowner might not even know what flashing is. Flashing is a thin metal material installed to direct water away from areas such as walls, valleys, and chimneys.

Over time, flashing will deteriorate, making it susceptible to leaks. It can often result in significant water leaking into a home’s attic space. Check your roof’s flashing regularly and if you notice any corrosion or cracks, reach out to a professional for roof maintenance .

You Have Broken Shingles

This is one of the easiest issues to identify because shingles are visible, even from the ground. Especially in older homes, leaks due to damaged shingles are prevalent. Severe weather or storms will often inflict damage on shingles. Be sure to inspect your roof following a storm. Look for damaged, lifted, or discolored shingles. These will need to be replaced.

Your Valleys Aren’t Properly Sealed

Valleys are sections where two planes of your roof come together. These junctions must be sealed properly to prevent water from penetrating inside. These types of leaks are the ones that can lead to roof replacement if not promptly corrected. A leak in a roof’s valley is not a simple fix and should be addressed immediately by a professional.

Your Gutters are Clogged

Gutter cleaning is one of those seasonal tasks that really need to get done. While it is nobody’s favorite way to spend an afternoon, it is crucial to maintain proper water flow and drainage. Clogged gutters can cause problems like damage to shingles and the roof structure due to overflowing water.

You can hire a professional gutter cleaning company to come and clean your gutters or you can carefully and safely clean them yourself. It is important to remove all debris, leaves, and twigs from your gutters. There are various tools you can use; even a hose will work. If you want to take extra precautions, you can install gutter covers like Leaf Relief .

You Have a Cracked Chimney

As a part of your regular roof maintenance, you should inspect your chimney. Look for wear and tear, holes, and damaged flashing or shingles around the chimney base. Installing and repairing chimney flashing requires a great deal of technical skill. Ensure you hire an experienced roofing company to perform repairs in this area.

Be sure also to check the masonry around your chimney. Leaks in the masonry are often a slower, more seeping style of leak, but they will ultimately cause significant damage if left untreated.

Trust Your Roof to the Professionals at Central Exteriors

A roof is one of the most critical aspects of your home. It keeps your family and your possessions sheltered and safe. You should only trust roof maintenance and repairs to a reputable company like Central Exteriors.

We have proudly been serving Maryland and Washington, DC, since 1956. Our expert team offers a full suite of services, including roof installation , repair, and maintenance. Reach out to our friendly staff today to learn more about our services.