It happens to most everyone at some point in time, you notice a dark stain on the ceiling, streaks on your walls, or worse, droplets or a stream of water flowing from these areas.
Leaks seems to come from out of the blue, for no good reason it all. Even on newly installed roofs or relatively young ones, leaks can happen and there are several reasons why that should be considered.
1) The shingles could be compromised.
Whether they weren’t installed properly or you’ve just been through a wind storm, shingles that have blown off, fallen off or out of place due to improper installation will compromise the integrity of your roof, causing leaks. Many times this can be spotted from the ground, however on some roofs a professional may be required to inspect.
2) Compromised Valleys
The roof valley (The “V” created where two sloping roofs meet) could have been punctured. Either the valley metal (open valley) or shingles (closed valley) could have been damaged either accidentally by other personnel or roofers stepping in them or if maintenance is neglected, build up of debris could cause water buildup and leaks.
3) Poor installation or materials
One of the most common causes for leaks is poor workmanship. If the roofing contractor did not install the materials properly, leaks almost always occur. Leaks caused by improper installation can include the roof membrane, roof flashing, roof vents or chimney, although these can be punctured by various things, the most common problem with these areas are poor installation of materials.
4) The roof has been punctured or water flow is obstructed
Falling limbs or trees, hail or other objects can cause great damage to your roof. After a storm, it would be prudent to have an inspection as soon as possible if signs of a leak are present. Even if the roof wasn’t punctured, debris could block water flow causing pooling which can seep into your home and cause damage, including leaks. Keep the gutters clean and the entire roof free of debris to prevent damage.
5) Improper Room Ventilation
Improper ventilation in rooms where high moisture is generated (bathrooms, kitchens, sun-rooms) can cause moisture build up and cause damage. Be sure these rooms are ventilated properly to avoid problems.
6) The roof is just too old
Roofs don’t last forever, once the materials in your roof age beyond their life expectancy they begin to break down, compromising the integrity of your roof.
If you notice any signs of leakage in your roof, it is imperative to repair the problems as soon as possible to avoid further damage and manor expense. Call your local roof contractor immediately!
In Metro Atlanta, call Atlanta Roofing Specialists today at 770-419-2222 for your free roof inspection!
