No one wants to deal with a leaky roof, but it's something that can't always be avoided for a variety of reasons. When your roof begins to leak, it's not an issue you should overlook as it could lead to an expensive and health-compromising problem. Let's look at some of the dangers that can occur because of a leak.
Risks of a Leaky Roof:
- Damage to Property. Depending on the type of roof and home you have, the leak could damage the contents of your attic or even drip directly into your home. This can end up damaging your floors or other portions of your home or business.
- Mold. Mold forms when moisture is present. Even once the leak is noticed and fixed, it's important to make sure the space has been thoroughly dried out. If you leave the moisture to dry up over time, mold will likely grow, which can be detrimental to the health of your family or employees.
- Fire Hazard. If you have a leak, be sure you're aware of what was damaged or affected by the water. You have a major fire hazard if water drips and comes in contact with wiring.
- Slipping Hazard. If water leaks onto your floor and you don't realize it, you could have a serious issue. Businesses especially should be aware of such leaks and have them fixed immediately to eliminate client or employee injury.
- Structural Damage. Structural fixes are one of the most expensive "home improvements" there are. Leaks can seep into the structure of your home and cause wood rot, cracks, and other costly problems.
Why Is My Roof Leaking?
Many things can cause a leaking roof. It's all about finding the source of the leak so you can make the proper repairs in the most budget-friendly way possible. There's no need to get a whole new roof if there's an isolated reason for the leak. Here are 8 possible reasons your roof is leaking.
Cracked Roof Flashing
Flashing is a material placed on the joints of your roof to eliminate the passage of water. If it's cracked or improperly installed, it allows water to seep into your home or business. This is a difficult problem to diagnose, so if you suspect your leak is originating from the flashing, we recommend calling in a professional to evaluate.
Broken or Missing Shingles
If you have broken or missing shingles, it's most likely that the damage occurred during a storm with heavy winds. Luckily, shingle replacement is an easy fix. Shingle issues can be easier to identify as there is usually a noticeable disruption in the pattern of the shingles. Though a professional should replace the shingle, you can at least identify the problem point.
Broken Roof Vent Boot
The vent boot goes around the base of the pipes that stick out of your home. This blocks the openings that could potentially allow water to leak into your home. If you see cracked/peeling paint, damaged shingles surrounding the vent pipes, or watermarks on ceilings or walls, you may have a broken boot.
Clogged Gutters
No harm in leaving your gutters clogged, right? Wrong! It may not seem like a big deal but if rainwater can't go down the gutters, it has to go somewhere. That somewhere just might be into your home if you don't take care of your gutters. Though we offer gutter cleaning, this is something you can take care of yourself if you're on a budget.
Chimney
There are a few different reasons your chimney could be the source of your leak. Some of these include an open flue, cracked chimney, or an improperly installed chimney. You can check your flue yourself but cracked or improperly installed chimneys are both problems that require a professional.
Wood Rot
Your gutters may drip water that slides down your home and into window and door frames. This moisture can result in wood rot which may lead to cracks in the walls and other similar structural damage.
Soffit Damage
According to Swish Building Products, the soffit is "tucked away under the fascia board…The soffit can be ventilated to allow the flow of air into the roof area." This ventilation is important to reduce and/or eliminate condensation issues in your roof.
What to Do if Your Roof is Leaking
Many of these issues should be addressed with the help of a professional. At Trotter Roofing, we offer everything from roof installation and repair to gutter cleaning, pressure washing, and more! We want to help you keep yourself, your family, and your employees safe with a roof that protects, and doesn't harm your home.
