Common Causes of Roof Leaks

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Shingle roofing is the most common and popular type of roofing in the United States. Shingle roofs are lightweight, durable, attractive, and affordable. But despite these excellent features, shingle roofs can still develop issues like roof leaks. While it’s best to prevent leaks, it’s not always possible, so it’s important to know how to identify and address them. There are many potential causes of roof leaks. Improper installation of a roof component or feature may cause a roof leak. Damage to any part of the roof may also cause a leak. Below are some common causes of roof leaks that you may want to know more about:

Roof leaks may happen for various reasons. Let’s take a closer look at each of the common reasons:

Broken Shingles – The most common cause of roof leaks is broken shingles. When your roof has this problem, it becomes more exposed to heavy rains that could seep through tiny cracks. Broken shingles can often be spotted from the ground, but sometimes it’s necessary to have a professional perform a roof inspection.
Missing or damaged shingles: If a shingle is missing or damaged, it can’t do its job of keeping water at bay. Missing or damaged shingles may be the result of improper installation, improper repair or extreme weather.
Cracked Flashing – Flashings are water-resistant barriers under your shingles. When you notice your roof leaking, this part of your roof likely has cracks. It’s also possible that they’re unsealed or corroded.
Unsealed Valleys – Besides your flashings, unsealed valleys or the area where your roof comes together may have issues. This can look like wet spots trickling down the seams of your roof. Valleys are particularly vulnerable areas of the roof and roofers need to install them with care. You also need to keep valleys clean of debris so they can function properly.
Clogged Gutters – Another possible reason for roof leaks is clogged gutters. Too many leaves or debris are the main culprits for this cause. Clogs can block the water flow and cause water to pool in one area. When left unattended, this puddle may seep through cracks or weaken your roof’s foundation.
Condensation & Rot in Attic – Your attic is vulnerable to mold growth due to the temperature difference inside and outside your home. This problem is common to many homeowners and can eventually lead to rotten roof boards and leaks.
Negligence – Poor maintenance and lack of routine inspections allow small issues to fester into larger issues, eventually causing leaks and other damage. Even worse, roof damage due to negligence and lack of maintenance is not covered by insurance. T o avoid this, it’s advisable to schedule regular roof inspections with a reputable roofing company.
Objects placed on the roof: It is not always safe to nail something to your roof. Solar panels, security cameras, Christmas decorations and other objects could be the source of leaks if their installation interferes with the roof.
Vents and exhaust fans: If improperly installed or damaged, vents and exhaust fans can allow water to access your roof.
Skylights: Skylights have their own flashing to prevent leaks, but if that flashing is poorly designed, installed, or damaged, it may allow for a leak.
Exposed or improperly driven nails and screws: Shingles should cover all nails or screws in a roof. Exposed nails may create the opportunity for a leak. If your roofer chose the wrong roofing nail, it might also contribute to a leak.
Chimney problems: As chimneys run from your home up through the roof, they may allow for leaks if they do not have the proper flashing installed. Complete chimney flashing involves multiple types of flashing.
Flashing issues: Flashing is an essential part of the roof, and it protects everything from skylights to plumbing vents from leaks. Bent, damaged or missing flashing can allow for a leak.
Walking on the roof: It’s possible to create a leak by frequently walking on your roof or by walking in vulnerable areas, such as roof valleys. Roofing professionals wear correct footwear and know where they should and should not step to avoid damaging your roof.
DIY roof repairs: Roofing is complicated work, and most homeowners are not equipped to fix their roof properly. To avoid leaks, work with a professional instead of attempting your own roof repair.
Tree damage: Branches that scrape against your roof may cause damage to your shingles and allow for a leak. There are other ways trees can damage roofs.

Answers to Roof Leak Questions

Can Extreme Weather Cause Roof Leaks?

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, hail and lightning strikes, can cause leaks. You can limit this possibility by choosing shingles that the shingle manufacturer has designed to provide special protection against the extreme weather that is most likely in your area.

Can Condensation Cause Roof Leaks?

Condensation may appear to be a roof leak, but it is typically the result of poor ventilation or other moisture issues in your home.

Can Clogged Gutters Cause a Roof Leak?

On their own, clogged gutters are unlikely to cause a roof leak. However, if your roof has other problems, spillover from a clogged gutter can make them worse. Gutters can also contribute to the severity of ice dams, which can cause roof leaks.

Can Moss Cause a Roof Leak?

Moss growth can push beneath shingles and degrade shingles. Moss growing beneath shingles and on top of shingles can both allow for a leak. Algae can be challenging to correct, but you can prevent it altogether by choosing an algae-resistant shingle. If your shingles develop moss, it must be manually and carefully removed by your roofer.

Can Snow Cause a Roof Leak?

Snow collection on your roof should not cause a leak on its own. However, if your roof is already damaged or improperly installed, melting water from snow may reveal the leak.

Can a Roof Leak Cause a Fire?

Roof leaks may cause fires if the water from the leak spills onto electrical equipment or the electrical wiring of your home. Fire risk is just one reason that roof leaks should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Reach Out to a Roofer to Find Your Roof Leak

Roof leaks don’t get better on their own, and you don’t have to find them by yourself. The sooner you can get a professional involved with your roof leak, the less damage you’ll have to pay for and repair.

Welcome to Family Roofing

Roofing is our heritage, quality is our tradition.

Common Causes of Roof Leaks – Family Roofing

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Roof leaks may happen for various reasons. Let’s take a closer look at each of the common reasons:

Missing or damaged shingles: If a shingle is missing or damaged, it can’t do its job of keeping water at bay. Missing or damaged shingles may be the result of improper installation, improper repair or extreme weather.

Cracked Flashing – Flashings are water-resistant barriers under your shingles. When you notice your roof leaking, this part of your roof likely has cracks. It’s also possible that they’re unsealed or corroded.

Condensation & Rot in Attic – Your attic is vulnerable to mold growth due to the temperature difference inside and outside your home. This problem is common to many homeowners and can eventually lead to rotten roof boards and leaks.

Objects placed on the roof: It is not always safe to nail something to your roof. Solar panels, security cameras, Christmas decorations and other objects could be the source of leaks if their installation interferes with the roof.

Vents and exhaust fans: If improperly installed or damaged, vents and exhaust fans can allow water to access your roof.

Skylights: Skylights have their own flashing to prevent leaks, but if that flashing is poorly designed, installed, or damaged, it may allow for a leak.

Exposed or improperly driven nails and screws: Shingles should cover all nails or screws in a roof. Exposed nails may create the opportunity for a leak. If your roofer chose the wrong roofing nail, it might also contribute to a leak.

Chimney problems: As chimneys run from your home up through the roof, they may allow for leaks if they do not have the proper flashing installed. Complete chimney flashing involves multiple types of flashing.

Flashing issues: Flashing is an essential part of the roof, and it protects everything from skylights to plumbing vents from leaks. Bent, damaged or missing flashing can allow for a leak.

Walking on the roof: It’s possible to create a leak by frequently walking on your roof or by walking in vulnerable areas, such as roof valleys. Roofing professionals wear correct footwear and know where they should and should not step to avoid damaging your roof.

DIY roof repairs: Roofing is complicated work, and most homeowners are not equipped to fix their roof properly. To avoid leaks, work with a professional instead of attempting your own roof repair.

Tree damage: Branches that scrape against your roof may cause damage to your shingles and allow for a leak. There are other ways trees can damage roofs.