Three Common Causes of Roof Leaks

In addition to simply being annoying, roof leaks are often a sign of more widespread roofing issues. Leaks can be caused by even a minor problem with a home’s roofing system, which is complex, delicate, and vulnerable to the elements. Left untreated, a small leak can quickly cause mold, mildew, and structural damage, so it’s essential to contact a professional before the problem becomes more serious—and expensive. Here are three of the most common causes of roof leaks.

Broken or Missing Shingles

Heavy rain, strong winds, and flying debris from trees can all wreak havoc on a home’s shingles, breaking them or even knocking them off completely. When a section of broken or missing shingles can’t adequately protect a roof from water, there’s no stopping the leaks that may follow. Fortunately, damaged or missing shingles are often easy to spot, which makes it simple to find the source of an interior leak and remedy it.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters allow rainwater to form pools, which can seep into tiny cracks and holes in the roof and cause leaks. Like missing or broken shingles, clogged gutters are often easy to diagnose. From the ground, homeowners may be able to see buildups of leaves, branches, and other debris in the gutters, or they may notice that downspouts are emitting little to no water during a storm or heavy rainfall. If the gutters are broken, sagging, or pulling away from the roofline, a new gutter installation may be needed.

Improperly Sealed Valleys

Roof valleys are the straight lines that form where two different planes of a roof meet. Because valleys are usually sloped, they experience lots of water flow when it rains. If a roof valley isn’t adequately sealed, rainwater can easily get in and cause leaks. Valley problems are best diagnosed by checking for wet spots along the interior roof seams. Improperly sealed or cracked roof valleys will need to be repaired to prevent ongoing issues with leaks.

Because roof leaks can quickly lead to water damage, mold, mildew, and structural problems, they should be assessed and diagnosed by a professional as soon as possible. In addition to solving leak issues, Action Roofing provides homeowners in the Billerica area with roofing repairs, maintenance, installations, and replacements. For a free estimate, contact us today by calling 978-726-9709.