8 Common Roof Leak Causes & How to Prevent Them
Knowing the most common causes of roof leaks is necessary for both preventing and resolving them. Top causes include age-related wear and tear, broken shingles, clogged gutters, chimney damage, improper installation, attic condensation, and extreme weather.
Don’t wait for an obvious leak inside your home or business. These top eight causes of roof leaks will help you stop the problem before it is serious, saving you time, money, and hassle.
1. Weather-Related Wear and Tear
Weather-related wear and tear is one of the primary reasons for roof leaks. Over time, weather exposure causes roofing material to become brittle. Natural deterioration is caused by sun, wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. When roof shingles become weaker, many issues arise, including:
- Cracking
- Curling
- Brittleness
- Loss of protective particles
These issues expose the underlying roof to further damage by allowing water to seep into vulnerable areas. Metal flashing is another part of the roof that is known to cause roof leaks. It can deteriorate over time, becoming loose, corroded, or cracked.
These problems create areas where the watertight seal is broken, especially around skylights, chimneys, and vents. Weather-related wear and tear reduces the roof’s ability to repel water, causing ponding water and eventual water damage.
Prevention
Prevent leaks from weather-related wear and tear by conducting regular inspections through a high-quality, reliable local company. Roof leak detection is best done twice a year and after each major storm. If there are any early signs of damage, water leaks, or even water stains, quickly replace or repair shingles, flashing, or other roof elements to avoid problems in the future.
2. Broken Shingles
Broken and missing shingles cause water damage to roofs by exposing both the roof deck and the underlayment to the elements. Even a single shingle that is missing or broken will cause roof leaks. Water flow caused by rain, or melting snow and ice, is a big concern for homeowners with broken shingles.
Homeowners with a greater number of broken or missing shingles are at risk for roof decking rot, interior ceiling damage or water stains, mold growth in the attic, and pests that chew through the vulnerable parts of the roof.
Prevention
Make repairs as quickly as possible if any issues arise. Some homeowners make repairs themselves, but studies show that nearly 80% choose to hire a professional roofing company to ensure repairs are made correctly.
3. Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters are typically blocked with debris such as leaves, sticks, sand, or dirt. This clogging stops the correct flow of water and leads to pooling or ice dams that completely stop the flow of water through the gutters.
If the flow of water along the gutters is inhibited, it can cause roofline water damage and a cracked foundation due to too much moisture. Surprisingly, poorly working gutters even cause basement flooding in some homes due to pooling water.
Prevention
Prevent problems due to clogged gutters by cleaning them out at least twice a year and after major storms.
4. Improper Installation of Roofing Screws on a Metal Roof
Incorrectly installing roofing screws is a leading cause of roof leaks, even when the rest of the roof features are installed correctly. Roofers who do not tighten the screws enough, or drive them too deeply into the metal roof, use incorrect angles, or screws that miss the frame, compromise the rubber washer seal. This will then allow water to enter the roof and cause damage.
Prevention
Prevent this problem by making sure screws are installed correctly, without taking shortcuts.
5. Chimney Damage
Chimney damage is a common cause of roof leaks due to the meeting and overlapping of the brick, mortar, and flashing. The connection points are opportunities for weak spots that let water into the roof.
Every homeowner needs to know how to find a roof leak. There are several indications that water is entering your roof, including:
- Stained walls and ceilings
- White residue on bricks
- Rust on metal fireplace elements
- Musty odors in the fireplace room
Chimney roof leaks are a serious issue as they not only cause water damage, but also raise the risk of a fire if the damage is extensive.
Prevention
Prevent roof leaks due to a damaged chimney by thoroughly checking the roof flashing, brick, and mortar around the chimney. If any compromised areas are found, repair them immediately to avoid more serious problems.
6. Wrongly Sealed Roof Valleys
A roof valley is the internal angle that forms where two sloping roof planes meet. This V-shaped passage directs water and debris off the roof to the gutter system. Keep these valleys cleared to avoid pooling problems like mold, leaks, and other roof damage.
If you see these issues, you may need to repair your roof valleys:
- Water stains indoors near the valley locations
- Debris in valley locations
- Noticable separation on valley edges
- Ice dams that are forming repeatedly in the same valley areas
Prevention
Prevent roof valley problems by performing routine checks, as well as looking for issues after storms. Clear any debris from the valleys to keep water running smoothly and avoid pooling.
7. Skylights
Skylights are windows installed in the roof of a building. Skylights can succumb to leaks if they are not installed correctly or if the seal surrounding the window breaks down. There are other reasons skylights develop leaks. Flashing issues, damaged roofing materials, and condensation cause leaks and mold issues that must be addressed to ensure a lasting and dry skylight.
Look for these unwanted signs around skylights:
- Water stains
- Condensation that stays
- Cracks in the caulking
- Visible drips when it is raining
Prevention
Prevent skylight roof leaks by having them installed by a professional. Routinely check skylights for any visible signs of breakdown or damage. Repair issues promptly.
8. Neglect
Neglecting your roof after storms or not regularly inspecting your roof for leaks, debris, cracks, or pooling can lead to problems in the future.
A roof inspection does not take much time to perform.
If you inspect your roof yourself (although we don’t recommend it), use a sturdy ladder, non-slip footwear, gloves, and have another person on the ground for any needs that arise. Do not perform an inspection on wet, slippery, or steep roofs. An inspection can be done from the ground using binoculars, but it may not be as accurate due to the distance from the materials.
Begin the inspection by walking around the roof’s perimeter. Look for missing or damaged shingles, discoloration, rust on metal flashing, clogged gutters, gaps, or deteriorated caulking. Next, check your attic for signs of leaks like mold, stained ceilings, peeling paint, or sagging drywall. Document your findings and follow up with a professional if repairs are needed.
Prevention
Instead of ignoring your roof, have it inspected at least once a year. It’s safer and more effective to hire a professional to do the exterior inspection and any repair work for you. Catching an issue when it is small is much easier and more cost-effective to repair than waiting until there is a full-blown problem.
Prevent Roof Leaks & Get Them Fixed Promptly
Neglect, weather-related wear and tear, clogged gutters, and chimney damage are common causes of roof leaks. Homeowners often overlook the importance of inspecting and caring for their roofs.
Preventing water leaks is much cheaper and easier than paying for large-scale roof repairs. Keep your roof properly maintained to prevent water damage and have leaks repaired as quickly as possible.
