Leaking roofs can cost people a significant amount of money to repair and a precious amount of time. This makes it quite essential to understand the causes of roof leaks and identify the warning signs as soon as possible. Initially, it could be a minor drip from the ceiling, but it could lead to major water damage over time with detrimental repercussions if left untreated. Thus, it would be best to act quickly before this trickle starts damaging your home interiors, which can damage your carpets, furniture, electrical appliances, and everything inside. While some leaks are easier to spot and fix, others require professional roofers in New Jersey.
Identifying a roof leak can be a nightmare for most homeowners, especially since fixing it is complex without help from a roof leak repair company in NJ. Your roof is your first barrier against external elements and harsh weather, so keeping it in good condition is essential.
We have curated a list of the most common causes of roof leaks and instructions for repairing them to save you time and money.
Most Common Causes of Leaking Roofs: Identification & Repairs
While the roof may not be a crucial part of the property, most homeowners are unaware of its current condition. Since a typical homeowner does not spend much time on the roof, issues related to it are mainly non-existent to them unless they inspect themselves. The first trouble signs they’re most likely to notice are small leaks, where water starts dripping into the house.
This is why you must contact an experienced roof leak repair company to locate and fix the problem before it worsens and causes more damage to your property.
Here’s a guide to the most common causes of roof leaks and how to repair them professionally.
- Broken or Missing Shingles
The shingles on your roof act as a watertight barrier to keep the plywood sheath from external components. Water can get into areas with missing shingles exposed to your roof, leading to significant damage over time and causing roof leaks. Whether you live in a comparatively drier region or not, changing weather patterns will eventually deteriorate the weatherproofing on your roof, thus affecting the adhesive layers and weakening resistance against dry rot.
Solution: Replace any missing or damaged shingles carefully. A qualified roofing technician can install the new shingles in the existing roof to maintain its structure.
- Damaged or Poorly Installed Flashing
Of all the possible causes of a roof leak in a house, the most probable reason is the damaged flashing. Flashing is a protective layer in industrial sheets or rolls made of galvanized steel, copper, or aluminum. It is fitted in the joints, seams, vertical walls, and other places to hinder water ingress whilst facilitating the smooth downward water flow from the areas.
Solution: Remove the damaged flashing and replace it with a fresh cut made of parts that can withstand harsh weather. Seal the substitute with roofing cement or caulk to ensure its longevity.
- Damaged Chimneys
A chimney is a vertical structure that creates a draft to remove warm air, gases, and smoke from inside the house. Many people associate chimneys with fireplaces, but it is important to note that any device that burns fuel will also have a chimney, which works similarly. So, identifying the reason for leaks will also apply to the chimneys on your roof.
Solution: Investigate the mortar joints and chimney flashing. Apply sealant or patch the mortar to create an impenetrable seal. Hire a professional roofer service if the situation is extreme.
- Cracked Vent Booting
Your home’s roof has vents that release gases from the kitchen and bathroom. A vent boot creates a waterproof seal around the vent to prevent leaks. Unlike other roof components, these boots are cheaper and more prone to wearing out quickly, resulting in leaks even when the roof is intact.
Solution: Either reseal the areas surrounding the cracked vents with waterproof adhesives to prevent water from getting in or replace the vents altogether.
- Condensation In The Attic
A leaky roof is not the only reason for having moisture in your home. Sometimes, the source of the problem can be within your house. Condensation in the attic occurs when water vapors rise into a cold attic and cool down into large water droplets. This condensation is mainly observed during winter when the outside temperature is much lower than the heated air within the house.
Solution: Adding vents or exhaust fans can achieve better attic ventilation. Insulation helps control temperature and reduce condensation.
- Clogged Gutters
The primary purpose of gutter systems is to disperse the water away from your house; however, if your gutters are clogged, the continuous dampness from stagnant water can cause decaying, followed by a roof leak. Suppose you live in an area with high rainfall. In that case, water leaks appear much faster due to water pools settling against the roof and eventually sneaking under the shingles, destroying the materials beneath and the entire roof.
Solution: Always clean gutters and downspouts to ensure adequate drainage. Install gutter guards to minimize potential blockages in the future.
- Ice Dam Buildup
Ice dams are ice build-up that melts and refreezes near the edges of your house’s roof. These ice dams create a ridge that does not allow water to pass, trapping water behind it and causing it to seep into your home. Many porch roof leaks occur due to improper installation or erosion, but ice dams form due to heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures for prolonged periods, and varied non-uniform temperatures of the roof’s surface.
Solution: Carefully remove any current ice buildup to prevent it from destroying the rooftop structure. For additional measures, either maintain or install new heating cables inside the rooftop.
- Poor Installation
According to expert roofers in New Jersey, roofing is a specialized profession with little room for mistakes in the installation process. Unprofessional companies without relevant experience and cheap contractors often do a sloppy job that only becomes noticeable once you pay the bill.
Solution: it is better to look for a professional roof leak repair company in NJ that takes this job seriously rather than using poor-quality material and waiting for a leak to happen.
Final Words
Now that you’re familiar with the most common causes of roof leaks and the proper ways to identify and fix them. So, you must use this information to mitigate roofing issues early enough and save yourself from spending a hefty amount on significant repair bills. If you want an expert’s help, you can consult a leading and reliable roofer in New Jersey and keep your home safe and well-protected for upcoming years.