One of the sounds a homeowner dreads the most is the unmistakable “drip” of water leaking from the ceiling. Locating the leak and the subsequent damage control that follows is enough to drive you crazy, and then you’re tasked with repairing the malfunction that is allowing the water to penetrate your roof in the first place. Leak repairs are best left to the professionals, so be sure to contact Dowell Roofing the next time you’re facing a problematic roof leak. Understanding a roof leak begins with discovering how it starts, so here are the four most common causes of leaking roofs.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Shingles are the first line of defense for your roof. Some types of shingles that stand up to inclement weather better than others, but high winds and rain will eventually wear down even the toughest shingles. When shingles go missing, they expose a part of your roof the damaging effects of wind and rain. It’s a good practice to always visually inspect your roof (safely from the ground) after a particularly severe storm. Check for missing or displaced shingles and keep a count of how many will need replacement.
Flashing Is Cracked
Flashing are thin strips of metal that are installed on roof joints and under shingles to create a barrier against water. Since flashing plays an important part in keeping water from seeping into your home, it’s no surprise that cracked flashing can be a problem. It’s pretty easy to notice when flashing is cracked, and you should regularly conduct visual inspections. While flashing is made of metal, it will eventually weaken over time and give way to the stress of the elements. The only suitable repair for cracked flashing is a replacement, which is best left in the hands of a professional roofer.
Gutters Are Blocked
Cleaning the gutters is tedious and time-consuming work. However, it is also necessary in order to ensure proper draining, which can minimize roof leaks and other damage. Gutters are designed to direct water safely off of your roof to the ground, where it can’t cause any damage. Gutters that are clogged will not be able to direct the flow of rainwater anywhere, leading to pools of water forming on your roof that can wear down shingles and eventually find a way into your home. A clogged gutter simply cannot perform its job properly, and the best way to remedy the problem is to simply remove the leaves and other debris from the gutters. While it’s never a joy to do, keeping up with gutter maintenance can save you a lot of money and prevent major headaches in the future.
Valleys Are Not Properly Sealed
Valleys are areas on a roof with high traffic of water flow, which is why it is imperative to make sure they are always properly sealed. These spots where water frequently flows are put under more stress than other areas of your roof, especially if you live in a particularly rainy climate. Heightened exposure to rainwater and melting ice can cause the valleys erode over time if the area wasn’t properly sealed to begin with. If you notice water entering your home around the seams of your roof, contact a roofing professional to reseal the area and prevent further damage.
Professional Roofing in Murfreesboro, TN
When your roof begins to leak, you should contact Dowell Roofing immediately for expert service to address your roofing concerns.
