One of the worst sounds a homeowner can discover is the notorious and recognizable “drip” of water leaking from your ceiling. Locating the leak and the subsequent damage control that follows is enough to drive you crazy, and then you’re tasked with repairing the malfunction that is allowing the water to penetrate your roof in the first place.
Leak repairs are best left to the professionals, so be sure to contact All Roofing, Siding, and Gutters the next time you’re facing a problematic roof leak.
Understanding a roof leak begins with discovering how it starts, so let’s look into the four most common causes of leaking roofs.
Damaged Shingles
Shingles are the first line of defense for your roof. There are different materials of shingles that stand up to inclement weather better than others, but high winds and rain will eventually wear down even the toughest shingles.
When shingles go missing, they obviously expose a part of your roof the damaging effects of wind and rain. It is good practice to always visually inspect your Murfreesboro roofing (safely from the ground) after a particularly severe storm. Check for missing or displaced shingles and keep a count of how many will need replacement.
Cracked Flashing
Flashing plays a very important part in keeping water from seeping into your home, so it is easy to see how cracked flashing can be a problem. Seen around protrusions such as skylights or chimneys, it is pretty easy to notice when flashing is cracked and should always be investigated regularly.
While flashing is made of metal, it will eventually weaken over time and give way to the punishment of the elements. The only suitable repair for cracked flashing is a replacement, which is best left in the hands of a professional roofer.
Blocked Gutters
Nobody likes cleaning out their roofing gutters. It is tedious and time-consuming. However, it is also very important and very necessary to ensure proper draining, which can minimize roof leaks and other damage.
Gutters are designed to direct water safely off of your roof to areas where it cannot cause any damage, such as the ground. Gutters that are clogged will not be able to direct the flow of rainwater anywhere, leading to pools of water forming on your roof that can wear down shingles and eventually find a way into your home.
A clogged gutter simply cannot perform its job properly, and the best way to remedy the problem is to simply remove the leaves/sticks/debris from the gutters. While it is far from the most exciting of household chores, it can save you a lot of money and a major headache in the long run.
Unsealed Valleys
Valleys are areas where water frequently flows on a roof, which is why it is imperative to make sure your roof’s valleys are always properly sealed. High traffic areas such as valleys will be forced to deal with more water than other areas of your roof, especially if you live in a particularly rainy climate. This heightened exposure to rainwater and melting ice will cause it erode over time, especially if the area wasn’t properly sealed to begin with.
If you notice water entering your home around the seams of your roof, you will need to contact a roofing professional immediately to reseal the area and prevent further damage.
Murfreesboro Roofing Professionals
When your roof begins to leak, you should contact us immediately to prevent further damage.
