A drop of water on your head or dark stains on your ceilings – both are unfortunate signs of a leaky roof. Here are a few reasons why your roof may be leaking and what you can do to prevent it.

Leaky Roof from Poor Installation

Why do I have A Leaky RoofPoor installation of materials can be the top reason for a leak. For instance, with extreme weather, strong winds or hail, your shingles may wear down, fall off, obtain holes or blow away, compromising the effectiveness of your roof. In addition to poorly installed shingles, the roof membrane, vents, chimney and your roof flashing can all be easily punctured. If your roof was poorly installed and built, leaks are more than likely to occur.

Ventilation

If your roof has improper ventilation, such as high amounts of moisture circulating through it, this can cause major mold build up over time. Your roof has vents that can crack over time as moisture builds, allowing leaks from these vent pipes to stain your ceiling and create dark spots. Eventually this will cause the roof to decay, and you will be in need of a roof repair.

Leaky Roof from Punctured Roof

A tree falling on your roof or even a heavy and sharp enough limb can puncture your roof and leave serious damage. It is important to have a roof inspection after a storm if you begin to notice a roof leak of any kind.

The area where your roof meets, creating a “V” shape, is called a valley. The valley of your roof is extremely vulnerable to punctures, as it creases and creates a perfect area for debris to sit and build up. This can cause water blockage to gutters and possibly a puncture over time.

Gutters

Debris from large trees and leaves on your roof’s gutters can prevent water from flowing off of your roof during a rainstorm, causing an overflow of water that will leak through your roof. Regularly get your gutters cleared and cleaned out to prevent this from occurring.

If you start to notice a roof leak, call Roof Fix today to speak to a professional on the best course of action.