8 of the Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Many homeowners cast a nervous eye to their ceiling during heavy Northwest rains. They know that if their roof is compromised, their risk of a leak is quite high.

These homeowners are correct, but only partly so. In fact, a roof can leak at virtually any time, even on rain-free days. A leak is more likely to occur if there is a buildup of water on the roof or water is in the process of moving down the roof until it finds an exit point (usually through a ceiling or wall).

We at aren’t here to alarm you, but rather educate you about the causes of leaks. The more you understand about your roof, the more proactive you can be about its care and maintenance. A properly maintained roof will keep your family safe and well protected. Rainshield Roofing is standing by to help you with that! 

Broken Shingles

High winds conspire with heavy rain to break, curl and send shingles flying. In addition to finding shingles around your yard, this is why you might find shingle granules around the perimeter of your home or in your gutters. If you can’t see your roof from ground level, be sure to inspect your roof from a second-story window, especially after heavy rain and wind storms.

Cracked Flashings

Think of flashings as weatherproofing; made of plastic, metal or steel, they are installed under shingles and hug the edges and curves of your roof to create a water-resistant barrier. The sealant that roofers use to connect flashings together can corrode over time—a condition that can be instigated by wind and rain. As long as you’re inspecting your shingles, it’s a good idea to survey the flashings, too.

Improperly Sealed Roof Valleys

You can probably see this problem coming—literally. When two planes on a roof merge, they form a valley. But when the valley is not sealed properly, water can seep inside as it runs down the roof. Wet spots that run along the seams of a roof are a sure sign that your roof valleys are not sealed as tightly as they could be.

Cracked Vent Booting

Your roof needs to breathe to keep water and moisture from building. Roof vents, which resemble small pipes, help accomplish this task. The vents are sealed with flashings. Over time, they can deteriorate or break off, leading to roof leaks until they are resealed.

Attic Condensation

Condensation forms when moisture becomes trapped in the attic; another reason that attic ventilation is so important to the health of a roof. If you haven’t spotted an outgrowth of mold or mildew, then you may have detected a strong, musty odor filtering from the attic. The leak itself may be slow to imperceptible, but it’s there.

Leaking Skylights

Skylights usually leak for one of two reasons: they were improperly measured and installed. Leaking skylights are serious; they can gush water. But keep in mind that wet spots near the top of a skylight may also signify faulty flashing.

Clogged Gutters

Sometimes, homeowners can be surprised when they hear their clogged gutters have caused their roof to leak. Gutters are meant to siphon water off your roof and away from your property, via a downspout. When a gutter becomes stuffed with leaves, twigs and other debris, the water has nowhere else to go. It accumulates, and sometimes finds the path of least resistance (an opening through the roof). Keeping up with clearing your gutters is vital so that you don’t have to prematurely replace your roof!

Cracked Chimney

Chimneys may look indestructible, but the mortar that binds it to a roof is made of a simple mixture of water, sand and cement. And this mixture erodes over time and can be further expedited by rain. Check your chimney for wear, and not just at the connecting point with the roof but also the cap, or the mortared area around the top.

Contact Rainshield Roofing at (360) 380-5290 Today!

The slippery, unpredictable terrain of a roof is no place for a novice, so call Rainshield Roofing for all your roofing needs! Contact us online or by phone today! 1-888-858-ROOF