Frequent snow, rain and ice storms are weather precipitations that can cause wear and tear on your roof, leading to moisture getting into your home and roofing issues that can cost you time and money. To prevent future problems, we are providing you with five common causes of roof leaks that you can detect and get repaired promptly by a roofing professional.
1. Brick Chimneys
While brick chimneys are beautiful and incredibly sturdy, the mortar used to seal the bricks in place and cover the joints that connect it to the roof can break down and crumble over time. A quick check for deterioration of the mud cap on the top of the chimney and the mortared joints should be all you need to find the issue. We recommend getting your chimney inspected at least once a year to ensure that there are no hairline cracks or holes in the flashing and that the mortar is in good shape.
2. Flashing
While we’re on the subject of chimneys, as mentioned above, damaged or compromised flashing can easily occur and cause serious leaking. For the uninitiated, flashing are water-resistant flexible strips of metal, rubber, or other materials installed at areas prone to leaks around a roof like breaks, joints or edges. Step flashing, vent flashing or chimney flashing sections may slide out of place if nails are missing and caulk or mortar may crack over time, allowing water intrusion. The good news is that roof flashing repair can typically be cheap and easy to do.
3. Holes
While it seems awfully obvious, we cannot go without mentioning holes, which can result from storm damage or just occur over time and remain hidden for years. The latter is another reason we always suggest scheduling regular roof inspections with a reputable, licensed contractor. Even something as tiny as a hole from a misplaced nail can be a big problem if unaddressed.
4. Clogged Gutters
Letting your gutters get jammed up with leaves and other gunk can easily permit water to travel away from your roof and foundation and cause massive damage to your entire house. Grab a ladder and some latex gloves and get the job done SAFELY — or, as we would suggest, pay someone to clean those nasty gutters. The cost of professional gutter cleaning varies based on the size of your home and amount of buildup that needs to be removed but it is far less than costly repairs later.
5. Skylights
Ahh, skylights. Such a lovely addition to any home…as long as it is installed properly. A poorly fitted skylight can sprout leaks, drying out rubber seals leaving cracks and dried out glass in its wake. To ensure the skylight’s water barrier is holding strong, a roofing contractor can check for cracks in the flashing and sealant as well as look for any missing or cracked tiles around it. Your roofer c
an also double-check that it was installed with proper pitch – or at the right angle for the particular steepness of your roof.
While these are certainly not all the reasons your roof may leak, they are some of the most common and definitely cause for concern. Roof leaks are an invitation to many problems; they can ruin insulation, become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, damage interior ceilings and walls, and compromise the structural integrity of your home. Please do not hesitate to contact your local Eagle Account Representative for more information regarding leaks and, as always, you can visit our website at www.eagleroofing.com with all your questions.
