There are plenty of great things about a rainy day (curling up with a good book, for example), but one thing we can definitely do without is leaky roofs. If you’ve ever had a leak in your roof, you know just how costly it can be. Not only is it a hassle to deal with for the duration of the storm — it also means that you have to identify what’s causing the leak before the rain returns.
So how do leaky roofs actually get started? Here are three of the most common causes.
1. Cracked Flashing
A crack in your flashing could spell disaster for the integrity of your roof. What are flashings? Those thin pieces of metal are installed underneath your shingles and on the joints of your roof to create a watertight barrier.
A time passes, wind, rain, and the elements can erode the tar and protective coating that secure your flashings and cause them to crack. If this happens, you’ll probably need to replace your cracked flashing with a new one that could involve removing and replacing some shingles from your roof as well.
2. Broken Shingles
This is a fairly easy problem to spot if you know what you’re looking for. Shingles should create a uniform pattern that covers your entire roof. If individual shingles are broken or missing, you’ll be able to see that there are parts of your roof that are a different color or where the pattern is disrupted. Shingles can come loose or get damaged during intense storms, so it’s always a good idea to check around your home to make sure there are no discarded shingles after severe weather.
When it comes to fixing this problem, you’ll need to get up on the roof, pry loose damaged shingles, and secure new ones. Many homeowners are neither comfortable with nor prepared to complete this task — in which case, it’s better left to the professionals.
3. Clogged Gutters
Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of a leaky roof is clogged gutters. Gutters help direct water away from your roof and the foundation of your home. If your gutters are stuffed with debris, it is more common that water won’t drain properly, leaving more time for it to seep between shingles and into your home.
Keeping your gutters clean and well secured is one of the best preventative steps you can take to keep your roof in good shape. And while you’re up on a ladder cleaning your gutters out, it’s a good chance to look around on your roof and ensure that everything else looks in place too.
Finding a Reliable Roofing Repair Specialist
Not so keen on scaling a ladder to reach the upper levels of your roof? Does your roof have a leak, and you can’t figure out the cause? It’s best in these cases to enlist the help of a professional roofing and gutter specialist. Hiring a qualified pro will ensure that your leak gets fixed quickly and safely in time for the next big storm.
Make sure you’re taking the time to find a roofing specialist with a high level of customer satisfaction and extensive experience. Even if it means paying a little more, it’s worth it when it comes to keeping your home safe and dry.