9 Causes of Roof Leaks You Should Know and How to Fix It

A leaky roof is every homeowner’s greatest nightmare. Do you know why? It’s because water is a dangerous enemy looking for ways to penetrate your roof’s vulnerable defence.

When it comes to roof leaks, it’s better to nip it in the bud. Otherwise, you may find it challenging to identify the initial cause. In this article, you will learn some of the common causes of roof leaks and how to fix them. 
 
Let me tell you a secret you may not get anywhere. Your best defence against roof leaks is vigilance and fast action. Once you notice anything that could be a threat to your roof, swing into repair activities immediately. It’s the best way of elongating your roof’s lifespan. 
 
So, whenever you notice a small drip in your home, don’t neglect it. It could be an issue that will degenerate into a major repair if you fail to take action on time. 



 
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​Whenever I say that your roof is an essential part of the house, people often think I’m exaggerating. But it’s the truth. An unattended roof leak could ruin your home insulation. It can also bring about black mold, damage your interior ceilings, walls, and the possibility of damaging your wooden frame. 
 
Are you surprised? Don’t be; roof leaks are serious issues that could affect your home’s curb appeal. I have seen homeowners spending a vast amount of money just because they fail to handle leaky roof early enough. 
 
Without much ado, here are the possible causes of roof leaks and what you can do about them. 
 
Causes of Roof Leaks and How You Can Do About Them 
 
Age
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Just like every other thing, roof materials get old, tired, and expired. And due to the expansion and contraction that comes with temperature change, most roofs can’t offer adequate protection as they get old. It could make them turn brittle and eventually crack. 
 
Once your roof is over 15 years, harsh rays from direct sunlight will start melting the tar that holds the shingles together. So, once you notice leaks in a roof that’s over 15 years, start preparing for a new roof. It’s better to replace a roof that has run-up to its life expectancy than repairing it. 
 
Brick Chimneys
 
Brick Chimney is also a common cause of roof leak. Most homeowners are victims of the fallacy that brick chimney is indestructible. But they fail to understand that the mortar that holds the brick together is a mixture of water, sand, and cement. 
 
And this mortar crumbles and erode after a sometimes due to exposure to weather elements. Once these mud caps drop on the roof, it could cause a roof leak. If you can identify and fix it on time, it’s not expensive. But if you leave it unattended to, the small leak could cause multiple problems that will make you spend more. 
 
Flashing
 
It’s an irony that a flashing that ought to prevent roof leaks could also be a cause. Funny right, let me explain this better. 
 
Ordinarily, flashing is functioning as a sealer in between your roof’s joints. The essence of using flashing is to keep water out of your roof. When not properly installed, flashing could get rust and crack easily, which will possibly lead to a roof leak. 
 
Even though replacing old flashing could cost you a few hundred dollars, it’s better to do it while you can. Otherwise, it can degenerate to a more serious fault. 
 
Missing Shingles
 
I earlier mentioned that your best defence against roof leaks is vigilance and action. If you aren’t vigilant, you can’t detect if there are missing shingles on your roof. 
 
Whenever you see shingles lying around your home, there is a high possibility that you have a leaky roof. Interestingly, replacing a shingle is a bit easy if you can detect it early enough. 
 
You may not get a perfect color match when you replace your shingle. But it’s better than leaving it unattended. Again, if you have some leftover shingles in good condition, you can use them for the replacement. 
 
Depending on your roof’s pitch, you can decide to replace a few missing shingles yourself. But if you want to hire a contractor, it shouldn’t take more than two hours. 
 
Vent Boot
 
Vent boot is a bit related to flashing. It could be plastic, metal, rubber, etc. It works with flashing to protect the joint between roof and pipe. 
 
Holes
 
Holes are also among the causes of roof leaks. Most times, holes on roofs are due to rainstorm damage, and activities of squirrels, and raccoons. Whichever be the case, early detection will prevent it from degenerating. 
 
Complex Roof Architecture
 
Every good thing has its negative side. If you have a dynamic roofline, it will improve your home’s curb appeal. But if your contractor fails to seal the roof’s valleys and slopes properly, it could lead to leaks. So, if you want a complex roof, ensure you hire a professional who can deliver an excellent job for you. 
 
Generally, the complex roof is always very challenging. It doesn’t matter who often you maintain it; the roof will always come up with one issue or another. For instance, if you live in a snowy area, a roof’s configuration may not be able to slide off snow from the top of your building. 
 
When snow can’t slide off, it could form ice damn on the roof; this will stress your roof and keep the roof surface in contact with corrosive water. If this happens for a while, your roof may start having seepage under the shingles. 
 
Clogged Gutters
 
Sometimes, a leaky roof is due to unclear gutters. When your roof’s drain is clogged, water will not be able to flow away from your roof and foundation. It could potentially lead to a severe leak on your roof. 
 
So, always clean out clogged gutters on your roof once in a while. If you have a busy schedule, you can hire someone to do it from you. Clearing your roof’s gutter always will help to reduce the possibility of leaking. 
 
Skylights
 
Every homeowner I have worked for loves skylight. When fitted and installed correctly, it can transform your room. But if your contractor poorly installed the skylight, it could be a potential cause of roof leak in the future. 
 
When you pay attention to your roof, it tends to last longer. So, try to correct any issues with your attic insulation and ventilation once you notice them. It will improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency and the overall roof lifespan. 
 
Contact Suburban Roofing for your roof replacement and repairs. When you hire us, you will get a blend of professionalism, attention to details, and experience. We help you make every dollar you spend on your roof replacement/repair counts.