Common Roof Leaks

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    • Many roof leaks are caused by poor workmanship.roof image by Eldin Muratovic from Fotolia.com

      A well-kept home can quickly deteriorate following a roof leak, which can lead to water damage to your possessions and structural damage to the home if left untreated. Mildew can also develop in damp areas where roof leaks occur, which can lead to health problems for you and your family. Roof leaks are often caused by poor workmanship or weak roofing materials. If you're experiencing regular roof leaks, hire an experienced builder to assess the quality of construction.

    Chimneys

    • Leaks often occur in the chimney due to inadequate caulking. Caulk is a waterproof filler used in building construction to ensure a building is watertight. Leaks that emanate from the chimney can be caused by weathering damage or strong winds.

    Shingles

    • Older roofs can also be prone to leaks as the shingles start to deteriorate. According to Roofer911, modern roofing materials are designed to last for around 50 years, but older types have life spans of only 10 to 15 years.

    Roof Fasteners

    • Strong gusts of wind can cause roof fasteners, which hold roofing materials in place, to loosen, resulting in roof leaks. This issue should be resolved swiftly to protect against mold damage and damage to your home's interior.

    Vent Pipes

    • Vent pipes are located on rooftops and are connected to a home's plumbing system. They provide air channels required for basic domestic operations such as emptying a sink or flushing the toilet. Since vent pipes protrude from the roof, water can collect in the pipes, resulting in water leaking into the interior of a house.

    Flashing

    • Flashing is a thin strip of water-resistant material that prevents water from leaking into your home. Flashing tends to deteriorate quicker than other roof components, which can lead to roof leakages. According to Roofer911, damage to flashing is responsible for around 95 percent of leaking roofs, and replacing it will alleviate the problem.

    Sagging and Valleys

    • Valleys lie in between roof slopes. They're prone to decay because they collect dirt that passes through the air and leaves that gust around in the autumn and winter months. When the valleys deteriorate, they can allow water to seep through into the house. Roofs can also be prone to sagging over time. This leads to pools of water collecting in the dip. Eventually, the weight of the water may erode the roofing material and cause a leak.

    Drip-Edge

    • Drip-edge is a metal flashing with a projecting edge found on rooftops. Drip-edge is designed to regulate the direction of flowing water and ensure that structural building components are protected. Drip-edge protection that's poorly installed can lead to roof leaks. These kinds of leaks are not always obvious, since drip-edge is often concealed behind roof-sidings.

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