Drips in the living room? Cracks in the attic? These are signs of roofing leaks. Not only are they a wet mess, they also indicate serious structural problems. As a professional roofing contractor, we suggest watching out for these five roof leak causes.
1. Cracked Flashing
Flashing is the metal sheet that covers intersections on your roof. This includes places where the roof meets the skylight, and where it meets the chimney. They are designed to keep moisture and water away. If they have small or large cracks, you’ll need to seal it up with caulk. Broken flashing should be replaced ASAP.
2. Clogged Gutters
Gutters are responsible for draining water. As long as it flows through the downspout properly, all is well. However, debris from the air, surrounding trees and shingles can build up and clog the system. Check the gutters for standing water or the downspout for trickling.
3. Damaged Shingles
Your shingles keep water away from the underlayment. They also keep sunlight, debris, and wind out of your home. All this, however, wears them down. If you see any cracked, missing, curled, or broken shingles, you need roof services to replace them immediately.
4. Age
Sometimes the roof is simply approaching the end of its life. As this happens, all the components get weaker and weaker. Leaks can form much more quickly in a 20-year-old roof than in a 10-year-old roof. To avoid this, keep tabs on your roof’s age, and have a plan for what to do when it approaches five years from the end of its advertised service life span.
5. Poor Ventilation
Condensation in—not on—your roof is a bad sign. It means hot air is trapped in your attic. Not only does this lead to leaks, it can also mean your home’s temperature control is shot, which can lead to increased energy bills.
When you spot any of these issues or causes, it’s time to call Empire Roofing and More. We can help you, thanks to our years of experience in roofing and siding services. We offer high-quality roofing products, inspections and estimates.
Need help with your next roofing project? Call us today at (412) 618-4729 to learn more about our products and services. We serve residents of Township, Pittsburgh and other nearby areas in PA.
