The sound of roof leaks dripping into pots, pans and buckets may be rhythmic and melodic, even downright hypnotic, but these rainy day symphonies can lead to significant damage to your home and its contents. By the time your roof is leaking, sometimes it's too late to prevent significant damage. That's why it can be very helpful to become familiar with some of the causes of roof leaks. A residential roofing company in Suwanee can help fix your roof leaks. They can also acquaint you with the various causes that can lead to a nasty roof leak. The following are 8 reasons why rain can sometimes come down through your roof and into your interior as well.
Loss of Shingles
Sometimes an area of missing shingles is not visible from down below. Occasionally getting on the roof and checking for missing shingles can be important in preventing leaks. This is especially important to do after high winds. Shingles comprise the roof itself and therefore are key in keeping the rain out. When too many of them are missing or damaged, leaks can happen.
Metal Roof Flashing
Wherever there are joints in the roof or spots where an object, like a chimney, penetrate the roof, "flashing" is used to prevent leaks or moisture from occurring. Sometimes, sections of flashing can move out of place due to cracked or dried up caulking, or because nails are missing. These need to be fixed or significant water damage can occur.
Gutters Backing Up
When rain gutters clog, water can build up on the roof and soak through. Take the time to regularly clean out rain gutters of leaves and other debris so this won't happen.
Roof Vent Gaskets
Check the gaskets around vents for damage or missing nails. If water can get through the cracks on vents, you've got double the trouble as far as potential leaking.
Clogging Debris
It's not just in the rain gutters that debris can build up and cause problems. Leaves and twigs can build up anywhere on your roof and dam up water than can sit and eventually leak through.
Roof Slope
The slope or pitch or a roof can affect both loss of shingles and water runoff. Make sure that your roof has been installed properly with roof materials that are right for the pitch of your roof. A roofing expert can check this out for you if you're not sure.
Leftover Holes
Anytime components are added or removed from your roof there is the possibility of holes being left over. Be mindful of this and repair the holes as soon as possible.
Age of Roof
Lastly, the age of your roof can contribute to all of these problems and more because materials wear out over time. You can fight to keep up with repairs to keep your roof going, but eventually a new roof might be needed.
Check your roof to see if it's at risk for leakage based on the situations previously mentioned. Preventing leaks before they happen can save you costly damage. If you need advice or roof repair, call upon a residential roofing company in Suwanee to help you. Rainy days can be cozy, but not if your roof is leaking all over the place!
