Stop That Drop: 8 Possible Reasons Why Your Roof Is Leaking So Bad

Running for a drip bucket every time it rains isn’t fun. If rainy days give you more anxiety than relaxation because your roof tends to leak, then it might be time to call an expert on roof repairs. It’s not only unsightly – but roof leaks also present multiple problems including mold growth and significant damage to the interior of your home.

Of course, it’s not enough to leave the job to the roofing experts. You, too, as a homeowner should have a basic understanding of roof leaks, what causes them, and how to prevent them.

Without further chitchats, we round up 8 reasons why your roof is leaking so you’ll have an idea of how they can be prevented.

1. The shingles have been damaged or fallen off

Look up! Can you identify missing shingles from the ground by seeing different-colored patches on the roof? Shingles can be torn or blown off by mother nature, through high winds and heavy rains, but you can also blame poor installation, workmanship, and faulty materials. Once your roof system has been compromised due to broken shingles, it would be easy for leaks to occur.

2. The roof flashing is broken

Flashings are thin pieces of metal that are installed under shingles and on the joints of your roof. They create a water-resistant barrier, which is either concealed or exposed.

Roofers tend to use tar to seal the flashing together. This can corrode over time. Once your flashing is left exposed, weather conditions like wind and rain could lead to its crack.

3. Valleys aren’t sealed properly

The roof valley, a.k.a the “V” created where two roof planes meet, could’ve been compromised. If the valleys (which are usually sloped) aren’t sealed together properly or are punctured, the rainwater can get inside as it runs down the roof. It happens when the sealing hasn’t been done properly in the first place and when maintenance is neglected. It can also result from being cracked when being stepped on.

4. The roof vents are cracked

If the leaks leave dark spots and mustiness, chances are that the leak is associated with cracked roof vents. Roof vents are those small pipes sticking out of the top of your roof. They are designed to expel excess moisture from the inside of the house.

They’re often sealed by placing some flashing around the opening. Over time, the flashing can break. The roof can also decay.

5. There’s an ice dam buildup

An ice dam is a buildup of ice on the eaves of sloped roofs of heated buildings. The heat from your home causes some of the snowfall to melt. The water will then run between the roof’s surface and the snow will refreeze into ice once it reaches the roof’s exterior edge.

The combined weight of the ice and the water just sitting on the roof’s surface is enough to damage the roof.

6. The gutters are clogged

Gutters help water flow away from the room. However, debris like leaves can clog them, making it difficult for water to trickle out of a downspout during a rainstorm. When this happens, rainwater will then pool in one area of the roof and have the chance to seep through the cracks.

Even if the roof isn’t punctured, the debris could block water flow, causing pooling that can seep into your home. Make sure to keep the roof free of debris and the gutters clean.

7. There’s condensation on the top part of your home

Do you smell a strong, musty odor springing from your attic? That’s one of the telltale signs of mold or mildew caused by water trapped inside. The uppermost part of your house is trapped between indoor and outdoor temperatures. When these temperatures clash, condensation will form and moisture will follow.

8. Your faulty roof is a byproduct of poor workmanship

One of the most common causes of roof leaks is poor workmanship. Did you compromise on quality by hiring inexperienced roofing contractors who did not install the materials properly? Leaks caused by poor installation can include roof flashing, roof vents or chimney, and the roof membrane.

Roofing, as well as roof repairs and maintenance, isn’t something you should skimp on. Your roof is designed to withstand weather conditions and protect your home for decades so make sure you’re investing in high-quality materials and working with the right people.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a daytime writer for All Round Roofing, one of the most reliable roofing companies in Ireland. When she’s not writing articles about home improvement and interior design, you can find her browsing trendy home decor ideas and DIY home projects online.