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What Are The Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks?

what are the most common causes of roof leaks

Leaks are one of the main reasons that people end up having to get Orlando roof repair. It is best to prevent your roof from leaking if possible. If you know the most common causes, then it will be easier for you to prevent a roof leak from occurring.

Most Common Reasons For Roof Leaks:

Age

Unfortunately, they aren’t made to last forever. Depending on the roofing materials used, and assuming that the installation was top-quality, a roof should last 20 to 30 years. Weather conditions and exposure to constant sunlight can also affect the longevity of your roof.

Missing Shingles

Strong winds can tear them off of your roof, exposing the wood underneath to the elements. It’s always a good idea to check the condition of your shingles after a strong storm.

People

Walking on your roof may not do any damage to it. Your roof is strong enough to handle some foot traffic. However, if your roof has heavy traffic, then it may suffer damage. The best thing that you can do is to put walk pads on your roof. Keep in mind that human error is the biggest threat to your roof. Mishandling parts and dropping tools are some of the things that you can do that will cause serious damage to your roof.

Holes

Holes will sometimes need to be drilled through the roof for things like antennas, cabling, or ventilation. During installation, the holes will be sealed. But, over time, some of these seals might not maintain their effectiveness. You should check the seals at least once a year to make sure there isn’t any water getting through.

Debris

It’s normal for debris to settle on your roof. Leaves, twigs, and branches will often settle on top of your shingles. The problem occurs when they stay there for too long. Water will collect under and around them, settling on your shingles, and will slowly start to eat away at their fibers, causing leaks.

Gutters

A clean, efficient gutter system is one of your roof’s best defenses against the harshness of Mother Nature. Here are some reasons why you should keep your gutters clean.

  • Ice buildup: If there is a clog of debris in your gutter or downspout, the water from your roof won’t be able to drain. While not a big issue in Florida, if it gets cold enough in the winter, it will freeze inside of the gutter system, and the added weight can cause the gutters to tear away from your home and roof, causing significant damage.
  • Dams: That water freezing in the winter can also backup and freeze in puddles on the shingles, again eating away at your roof.
  • Alignment: If you have more than one rooftop, it’s best to route each of their gutters all the way to the ground instead of having them drain onto each other. The idea is to get the water off of your roof as quickly as possible.

Vents

The seals around any roof vents will also wear over the years. Even the screws and nails can sometimes work their way out, allowing water to get through. It should be a part of your yearly inspection to make sure the vents are secure and watertight.

Slope of the Roof

The slope of your roof can also affect its longevity. If the slope is too shallow, the wind will be able to lift the shingles, allowing rainwater to get to the wood underneath. If you roof has different slopes, you may notice more wear on the more shallow ones.

Flashing

This is what seals all of the corners where different roofs meet and around dormers and skylights. It should also be checked on a yearly basis.

Ridge Cap

It’s the peak of the roof. While it’s probably the most secure part, it should also be inspected annually to make sure it’s isn’t compromised.

Give us a call today for all of your roofing needs. Whether you are looking for installation, repair, or an inspection, our team of skilled professionals will work with you every step of the way making sure that your roof is in perfect condition.

Seam Weakness

Seams are often the weakest part of your roof. The membranes are typically mechanically fastened or fully adhered. Multiple sheets have to be joined and overlapped with either hot-air welding or adhesive. The seams may not hold up well around the edges of the roof. That is why your roof may start leaking.

Neglect

Your roof needs to get serviced by a professional on a yearly basis. Your roof will have to be inspected for common issues. It will also need to get regular maintenance. If your roof does not get regular maintenance, then this can cause many problems. The caulking can start to dry out, which can cause the water to seep in.

Leaks can be prevented if your roof is inspected on a regular basis. You may need to get your roof re-sealed. If your roof is lacking maintenance, then it can develop serious problems that may warrant the need for a full replacement.

Rooftop Equipment

Exhaust fans and HVAC units can cause leaks and punctures in your roof. If the gaskets dry out or the screws are pulled out, then a leak can result. It is important to note that ventilation is not waterproof, so water will still be able to get through the HVAC access panels.

Weather

The weather elements are something else that can cause your roof to leak. Snow and ice can build up on your roof after a storm. Tornadoes and hurricanes can also do a lot of damage to your roof. The steady falling of snow, hail, and rain is the main weather-related thing that can lead to a roof leak.

The sun can also do damage to your roof. The intense heat can cause the roofing material to degrade. Prolonged cold is another thing that can cause damage to your roof by degrading the material.

People, seam weakness, weather, rooftop equipment, and neglect are some of the main things that can cause your roof to leak. Even though there are some other things that can cause roof problems, keeping an eye on those problems can help you maintain your roof. You will likely be able to keep your roof for a longer period of time if you identify common problems and prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Retail Roof, Insurance roof repair, roof repair
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