Have you noticed water dripping from a ceiling or a water stain in your home? No one ever wants to experience either of those issues – and there’s never a good time for it to happen either. Why is my roof leaking gives a close look at 4 reasons for leaks to help you understand the potential issues involved?
The Age of Your Roof
Simplified, your roof wears down with age as does everything. There may be a number of environmental factors that can compromise roofing integrity and cause a leak in your home. With sun, snow, ice, rain, and extreme temperatures to contend with, your roof gets put through many extreme tests. Most common asphalt shingled roofs have a good 20-year life span. Some newer roofing systems have even more now. If your roof is 20 years of age or older, odds are it’s time to consider a new roof.
Damaged or Loose Shingles
Your Shingles – the defensive barrier between the weather and your roof. The shingles are the hardest working pieces of simplicity on your roof. Any damage to them can potentially result in water damage over time. Shingles can become loose, crack or even curl upwards causing points of exposure in your roof. When this is noticed as quickly as possible you’re usually able to install new shingles in the area at a minimal cost to you, the homeowner.
Improper Flashing
Flashing is the term used to describe the material sealing any protrusion in your roof where something sticks out from it. Most often the protrusion is a chimney, vent, or skylight. Each of these must be made watertight to the surface of the roof. Over the years of changing seasons, flashing can lose its seal allowing water damage. Very often the area can be re-flashed stopping the leak in your roof. Other times it may be actual damage to the skylight or vent causing the need for replacement. Once the flashing has been compromised it will only be a matter of time that water damage will occur. Normally this can be an inexpensive repair if caught soon enough.
It’s not your Roof
Sometimes what seems to be damaged from a leaky roof can actually be a totally different explanation. There may be clogged gutters, plumbing or condensation issue, or possibly the mortar between the bricks of your chimney. Most people don’t realize that chimneys need regular maintenance as well. Bricks act like sponges, absorbing water and wicking it to the chimney interior. It’s possible that you should consider a chimney cap as it acts as an umbrella and is an inexpensive preventative measure to take.
Often if an attic is poorly insulated there can be a condensation issue. Condensation is quite often mistaken as a leak. Proper ventilation and insulation of your attic can eliminate the chances of this occurring.
Consider all of these potential causes for roof leaks. It’s very important to be as informed as possible and to consider all your options.
If you’re not sure of the cause, it’s always best to seek out an experienced professional. Call JN Roofing to help make a stressful situation a smooth and easy one.
If you’d like to read further on how roofing protects your biggest investment, your home – follow this link.
Written By: Jane Laker
Photo Credit: Veronika Kovecses
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