Roof System

6 Common Roof Leak Causes

 

 

Why is my roof Leaking? 6 Common Roof Leak Causes

Nobody ever wants to experience a roof leak or see water stains in their home and there diffidently isn’t a good time for it to happen. Unfortunately, with Texas high winds and hail or just the HOT weather, some of us inevitably will confront a leak. If that, is you, it can be pretty stressful and you might not know where to start? For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of 6 common roof leaks that might help you better understand the potential issues you might have with your roof.

 

Roof-To-Wall
Roof-To-Wall

 

Skylight
Skylight

 

Exhaust Vents
Exhaust Vents

 

#1 – Weak Point:

What is a weak point? It can be a few different things, not every roof has the same weak points. The most common weak points are penetrations through the roof like Plumbing boots, Exhaust vents, around Chimney or skylight. Some other areas can be in your valley or roof-to-wall.

 

Exposed Nails
Exposed Nails

 

Pulled Fasteners Due to Unsealed Shingles
Pulled Fasteners Due to Unsealed Shingles

#2 – Exposed Nails / Unsealed Shingles:

Even though this doesn’t sound like it could cause much damage. This is probably one of the most common leaks people have. When installing a roof, you always want the nail to go under a shingle but sometimes it’s not possible. So, it’s critical to put sealant around that nail. If not, the nail head could rust and fall off and allowing water to enter where the nail head was. Even with the nail head attached it still can cause a leak.

All asphalt shingles have an adhesive strip across the shingles to allow the shingle to stick to another shingle and keeping it sealed tight. This is one of the most important things to keep your shingles on your roof. After some high winds it can start to lose the adhesive to the shingles, naturally it will seal back down when the sun is out as long as you didn’t get dust and debris stuck to the adhesive. After several times of it resealing back down it will start to lose its integrity and eventually no longer seal back down. Where the problems come in at is when the shingles are blowing in the wind and if it’s raining it will allow water to get through the exposed nails or cause more damage like creasing the shingle, mat transfer, ripped or torn. Which will lead to bigger problems.

 

Granular Loss
Granular Loss

#3 – The Age of Your Roof:

While it may seem too simple, your roof wears down with age, as does anything else.  Throughout the lifetime of your roof, it can be exposed to a number of different weather factors that will compromise its integrity and cause a leak somewhere in your property. In katy Texas your roof has many variables to contend with, rain, sun, ice and sometimes snow at extreme temperature differences. Typically for an asphalt shingle roof, which is the most common residential roof system on the market, if it is 20 years old or more, odds are it is time for you to consider your options for a new roof.

 

Flashing Exposed Around Chimney
Flashing Exposed Around Chimney

 

Exposed Nails Can Cause leaks
Exposed Nails Can Cause leaks

#4 – Flashing:

“Flashing” is the material used to seal any protrusion in your roof where something sticks out from it such as a chimney, vent or skylight. There can also be flashing in your valley or if your siding touches your roof. These require flashing to seal them watertight to the surface of the roof, to prevent any possible exposure to moisture. Over time and changing seasons, the flashing can lose its seal and let water into your property. Oftentimes, the areas can be re-flashed or reseal and the leak will stop. Sometimes, for example, the pipe boot or chimney may just be old and will need to be replaced. Once the flashing has been compromised it’s safe to say that the water will inevitably find its way into your property.  Typically, these types of repairs can be done quickly and at a minimal cost. If not fixed, the leak will continue to find its way into your home and create interior damage, rotten decking and even mold, which in turn, can be costly.

 

Missing Shingles
Missing Shingles

 

Delamination Of Shingle
Delamination Of Shingle

#5 – Damage / Loose Shingles:

Your shingles are the defensive barrier between the weather and the roof of your property. Therefore, any damage to them can potentially result in water leaking in through roofing materials. Over time and experiencing various environmental factors, your shingles can be loosened, cracked, torn or even begin to curl upwards, causing points of exposure in your roof. Most of the time new shingles can be installed in the immediate area of the leak at a minimal cost to the property owner.

 

Chimney Leak
Chimney Leak

 

Chimney Mortar
Chimney Mortar

#6 – It’s Not Your Roof:

While leaks in your ceiling or attic can be easily caused by a roof leak, there may be a different explanation, including Plumbing leaks, your chimney, clogged gutters or even just condensation – all of which cause water damage. If you have a chimney and the leak is coming in from around It, chances are it is a flashing issue or a chimney issue which may require a mason. Most people do not realize their chimneys need to be maintained regularly as a common brick is similar to that of a sponge, absorbing water and wicking moisture to the chimney interior. If your chimney does not have a chimney cap, it may be something that you may want to consider as it acts like an umbrella when it rains and they are inexpensive preventative measure that can be taken to keep your home dry.

If the leak isn’t coming from around a vent and it is not the vent or the flashing, it may have something to do with the plumbing and a plumber should be called in to investigate. In terms of condensation, if your attic is not properly insulated or ventilated, it can cause condensation to occur. Many people mistake condensation as a leak. By properly ventilating and insulating your attic space, you can help eliminate the chances of condensation occurring.

Considering all of these potential roof leak causes, it is important to be as informed as possible and to consider all of your options. If you are unsure or hesitant of the cause of your leak, it is always advised to speak with an experienced professional. Call Kelsey Elite Services today and we’re happy to help make this stressful situation an enjoyable experience.