Why is My Roof Leaking?

Leaking roofs cause mold growth and damage walls, ceilings, furniture, and more. They steal a homeowner’s peace of mind, and can’t be neglected or avoided, lest they result in frustrating and expensive repairs. 

Read on to understand why roofs leak.

Cracked Flashing

Flashings are pieces of metal that are installed in the roof under the shingles to create a barrier. Water-resistant in nature, they are often sealed with tar to hold them together. On being exposed to sun, wind, and rain, the tar corrodes and causes flashing to crack. Sometimes the caulking used to seal flashing dries up and leads to huge cracks in the roof. 

It may be possible to conceal flashing with a rubberized coating to avoid cracks due to natural elements. 

Loose or Rotting Shingles

An old roof will age over time and can be identifiable by cracks. The shingles may even start to fall on the ground, exposing underlying patches. Continued exposure to wind and sun may cause leaks to form in the roof.

Loose shingles and cracks can be inspected by certified construction service providers and may require only repairs. Getting the job done may extend the roof life by several years. 

Roofing Nails

Roofing nails are used to install shingles and to attach roof tiles and sheet metal. When these nails back out, they leave behind holes that allow water to penetrate. When these holes are present around the roof edges where wind-driven rain is likely to enter, leaks are formed. 

Professional roof installers can quickly identify these holes, but an untrained homeowner may not even notice. Taking timely measures to seal these holes can help save on more significant repair expenses and inconvenience.

Rubber Boots

Plumbing vents and other protrusions from the roof are sealed by utilizing rubber boots that act like flashing, protecting the inner surface. Prolonged exposure to extreme weather may cause rubber boot to crack, making the plumbing vents vulnerable and prone to leaks. 

Getting these boots inspected professionally may help spot cracks, and a professional can recommend the necessary actions to fix them. 

Poorly Sealed Valleys

The area where two planes of roof connect is called a valley or a ridge. The valley is in the sloping area of two planes meeting. Generally, the roof is sloped, and faulty sealing in the valley between planes may cause water to seep in and form a substantial leak. An expert roofer may help fix this issue until a new roof installed when measures can be taken to ensure proper sealing. 

Leaking Skylights

Skylights provide additional natural light to homes by allowing sunlight to enter. When installed on the roof, these flat-surfaced windows are sealed and screwed with flashing. When measured and installed improperly, these skylights turn leaky and bring in rainwater. 

Reinstallation can help resolve skylight leaks. 

Experienced construction companies such as Patterson Construction Company specialize in building and repair solutions. We can provide a homeowner who has roofing problems with professional construction planning and management services.

Patterson Construction Company installs and repairs residential roofs of all kinds, skylights, roof ventilation, fascia and underlayment on Phoenix-area homes. Call 602-825-3638 for a free quote today!