A leaky roof is a frustrating interruption to your schedule. You may have noticed a ceiling stain during or after a rainstorm recently and the realization that you now have to do something about it has set in. If you don’t act quickly, the compounding damage to your home could become even more costly.
The good news is that there are some common areas that are often the culprits for leaks. We’ve included the top 5 we often see so you can get a better idea of what kind of issue you may be facing.
Improperly Installed Flashing
Metal flashing should be properly installed around chimneys, vents, windows, and around your roofline. Its purpose is to prevent water from getting beneath your roofing materials, such as shingles, shakes, or tiles, and rotting the wood beneath them. When it’s missing, damaged, or improperly installed, roof flashing can contribute to leaks. This would be one of the first areas a residential roofing inspector would check after being called out.
Damaged Shingles or Tiles
Shingles, tiles or other forms of roofing that are loose, cracked, broken, or missing can allow water and moisture to penetrate your roof’s underlayment. Different types of roofing have different life expectancies. Your leaky roof may simply be a sign that aging materials need to be replaced. It’s best to contact an experienced local roofer to come take a look to see if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
Clogged Gutters
The purpose of a gutter is to catch rainwater that falls on your roof and re-direct it away from your roof and foundation. Unfortunately, gutters can also collect leaves and other debris that clog the gutters and allow water to accumulate on the roof edge. Water that’s clogged in gutters can cause moisture in your roofing system, which leads to rotting and leaking.
Poor Roof Ventilation
You may expect your roof to be airtight, but in reality, it needs proper ventilation to keep mold and mildew from forming. The proper installation of vents help prevent roof rot and may extend the life of your roofing materials, but if they are failing, they could be leading to a roof leak.
Punctures
Odd things can cause punctures and holes to your roof, including woodpeckers, tree branches, roofing nail heads, and more. Your newly-discovered roof leak could simply be the result of small holes in your roofing material. Depending on the age and condition of your roof, it may be better to repair or replace your roof after a leak has formed from a puncture.
If you’re worried about the state of decline of your existing residential roof, call Perry Roofing in Gainesville, Florida today. Since 1976, Perry Roofing has been the premier choice of commercial and residential roofing. Proudly serving the Gainesville/North-Central Florida area for more than forty years, our reputation and our work ethic set us apart from the competition. If your existing roof needs repair, call us today for a free inspection.