Everyone encounters a leaking roof at some point; you see a dark stain on your ceiling, streak on the walls, droplets on the floor or even a large puddle! It’s indeed a horrible experience.
We never really plan for them, they seem to just sneak up on us when we least expect. It could happen on relatively new roofs, as well as old ones.
Below are a few reasons your roof may be leaking:
1.Poor Material Installation
This is a common problem. You could have a shingle that was once very popular but later was discontinued after it was found to be inadequate, such as shingles made from biodegradable materials. The original installer of the roof could have also been inexperienced and did not install it to manufacturers specification.
Sometimes, the problem could be that storm damage has occurred. As a result, a few parts of the shingles have curled, been ripped off, lifted or blown away. The roof could also have been damaged as a result of the impact from limbs of trees, or other harmful objects carried by the wind. These objects may puncture the roof or debris carried by the wind may have blocked water flow, leading to pooling that eventually seeps into your house and causes leaks.
3.Old Roofing Materials
Roofing materials are not made last forever; they usually have a life expectancy beyond which they can no longer function effectively. When the materials get old, it is normal that they begin to break down, leading to leaks.
4.Compromised Valleys
Valleys in roofs are the Vs formed where two sloping roofs come together. When a roof valley is punctured, either accidentally or by a person stepping on them, debris builds up and lead to leaks as a result of water buildup.
5.Poor Ventilation
A house that has poor ventilation will lead to an increased build-up of moisture, especially in areas like the kitchen and the bathroom. The build-up of moisture will lead to more damage after some time.
6.Roof Vents
Check your vents to ensure that penetrations are adequately sealed. It’s easier for plastic vents to crack after being exposed to the weather for long. Check gaskets surrounding the vent pipes to see if there are missing nails, gaps, or cracks.
Why You Should Replace a Roof Instead of Repair:
1.Roof’s Age
There’s no use continuing to repair a roof that you should replace. Roofs are designed with a specific life expectancy. Others get old before the set time because of weather conditions. It’s best to replace your roof when your roof is old; else you’ll keep spending much money on repairs.
2.Water Damage
When there are water damage signs, you should not keep repairing, you should replace. If you don’t, the roof will keep dampening your walls and ceilings and wood, leading to mold growth and health problems.
3.For Your Home Sale
If you won’t be staying in your home for a long time, and you plan to sell it off soon, then simply repairing may make it difficult to sell (and sell at a reasonable price). A new roof is very attractive to buyers and has an excellent ROI.
Safety first! Leaks can be difficult to pinpoint and getting on top of a roof can be dangerous. Always consult a professional. We offer free inspections so you don’t have to put yourself at risk by getting on the roof.
