A little roof leak can quickly become a big problem. By the time you notice a leak, significant damage might already be done. Knowing the common causes and warning signs of roof leaks helps you address issues before they worsen to ensure you get the most out of your home.
If you suspect your roof is leaking, don’t hesitate to call a professional roofing company. Contact Polaris Roofing Systems today at (928) 699-4840 to schedule a service with our expert roofers.
Older Roofs Are More Likely To Leak
In most leaky roofs, age is an important factor. Though roofs are made of materials designed to withstand the harshest conditions, they weaken over time.
The petrochemical oils in asphalt shingles dry up with age, leading to cracks and breakage. Those cracks allow water to seep into your home, where it can pool in your ceiling. Even a small leak can lead to unseen structural damage.
You can extend the lifespan of your roof by having regular inspections and maintenance done, but eventually, you’ll need to replace old shingles to avoid further problems. Therefore, thinking proactively can save you a lot of time and money.
Types of Roof Leaks We See Often
Roof leaks may have many causes. Damage to roofs can occur from extreme weather, poor installation, or added fixtures. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the most likely causes of roof leaks.
- Weather damage: High winds, heavy rains, and extreme temperatures are particularly hazardous for roofs. These weather events can break or loosen shingles, leaving your roof susceptible to moisture. Have your roof inspected following a big storm to check for damage.
- Joint flashing: Flashing covers the seams in your roof to protect against water. If your flashing cracks, water can get into your home.
- Damaged underlay: Underlay is an important part of your roofing system. It acts as a protective shield under your shingles. If the underlay becomes rotted or cracked, it can fail under rainy conditions.
- Skylights: A leak near a skylight could indicate a problem with the window or an issue in the flashing. These installations are more vulnerable to wear and tear, so they should be inspected regularly.
- Clogged gutters: Clean gutters are critical to prevent water from entering your roof. When gutters get full of debris, they fail to direct rain away from the house. Water buildup from clogged gutters can enter weak spots in your roof and seep into your home.
- Chimney damage: Structural issues in your chimney heighten your chances of a leak. Be sure to check the mud cap, mortar, and flashings on your chimney for any signs of damage.
- Roof vents: The vents in your roof release heat and moisture from your attic to help ventilate your home. However, as weak spots in your roof, they can also crack or leak.
- Heavy weight: If your HVAC unit sits on your roof, this extra weight creates additional pathways for leaks. The weight of a human being walking on a roof can also crack shingles.
- Nature: Your roof isn’t immune to trees or animals. Falling branches will chip away at your shingles, and animals can carve out nests in your roof. Prune trees away from your roof to keep branches and wildlife from harming your shingles.
What To Do If You Spot a Leak
Roof leaks are an emergency for homeowners. If left unchecked, water from a roof leak will spread throughout your ceiling and into your walls. To avoid serious structural damage, use roof cement to temporarily seal a leak until you can have a roofer do an inspection.
When it comes to a significant investment like your roof, it’s better to leave major roof repairs to the professionals. The experts at Polaris Roofing Systems can find the cause of your leak and make the necessary repairs to protect your home. Call us at (928) 699-4840 for a free consultation.
