Lately, have you been experiencing a troublesome drip after heavy rain? Or are those water stains on the roof of your house getting bigger each day? Seems like you have got a leaking roof! Roof leaks can cause a significant amount of damage to a home if the cause isn’t discovered and repaired quickly. Identifying the root cause of a leak can be quite a task. The leakage might have happened due to a combination of reasons, or the symptoms may be present in one section of the house but caused by something somewhere different. Since water can travel outward from the point where a leak occurs, it can be difficult to identify the exact cause. Check your roof for some of the most common causes of leaks to stop an existing leak or to prevent future problems. You can also find ways to repair your leaking roof by getting in t
Without further ado, here are six possible causes for your leak or things to look out for to prevent them!
1 Age of the Roof
The materials used during your roofing project deteriorate with age and become less effective at keeping water out. Due to constant temperature fluctuations and ever-changing weather conditions, the roofing materials may turn out to be brittle and can crack over time. Exposure to direct sunlight can melt the tar that seals shingles together.
2 Unsealed roof vents
One of the most important things to keep in mind is to ensure that the roof is sealed properly. A sealed roof can help prevent leaks. Inspect the gaskets around vent pipes for cracks or gaps and check for missing nails. Usually, plastic vents start to crack after years of exposure to the weather.
3 The slope angle
If your roof slope is too shallow, wind can lift the shingles and drive the rain underneath. Roof slope is measured as a ratio of its vertical rise (inches) over a horizontal distance of 12 inches. According to the experts, the roof slope should be at least 2:12 for the installation of shingles. If the pitch is between 2:12 and 4:12, it is essential to use a double layer of any underlay material. Ensure that your roofing materials are appropriate for the roof slope and installed correctly.
4 Buildup of debris
A buildup of debris such as twigs, leaves, or pine needles can trap water against the roof and allow it to seep into your house walls. It is essential to keep the roof clear to allow water to run off quickly. Trimming overhanging tree branches will allow you to keep your roof free of debris.
5 Cracked flashing
A Metal roof flashing can help seal the roof transitions where large amounts of water run down or where absorption may occur. Flashing is placed where the roof joins a dormer, where a chimney enters the roof, and around the edges of glass skylights. Flashing sections usually slide out of place if the nails are missing, and caulk may dry and crack over time.
6 No gutter backup
If you have roof gutters clogged with leaves or other debris, get in cleared right away! A clogged gutter can slow the water flowing off the roof, giving it enough time to soak through. Using gutter covers can keep gutters clear of debris and ensure that water flows freely and quickly off the roof.
If you are concerned about a leaky roof or require a quick repair for your leaking skylight, get in touch with The Sydney Roof Doctor. Their experience in roof maintenance and roof valley replacement has provided only the best quality services to clients in the Sydney metro area.
You can contact them on 0419 162 112 and have a chat with one of their friendly roofing experts!
