Why Is My Roof Leaking? 7 Reasons

1. Compromised Shingles

The typical lifespan of an asphalt shingled roof ranges from 10 to 15 years, but this can vary based on several factors. Do you have trees hanging over your roof? Are you diligent in maintaining your roof? What kind of weather does your area experience? These factors, among others, can significantly impact the longevity of your roof.” If you think it could be your shingles, you can inspect your roof or get a certified professional to take a look. 

What to look for when you inspect your shingles. 

• Go to your attic and look for light coming through your attic. 
• Your roof is 20-30 years old. 
• There are a lot of granules (little stones) in your gutters. 
• Cracked or missing shingles. 
• Moss or algae on your roof. 
• Shingles that are curling.

2. Damaged Flashing

Roof flashing plays a crucial role in safeguarding your home from water damage. This thin but vital metal redirects water away from vulnerable areas such as dormers, walls, and chimneys. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of roof flashing, common causes of damage, and how to prevent leaks to keep your home safe and dry.

Avoid Poor Repairs

In addition to installation, flashing can also deteriorate due to subpar repairs. If repairs are not carried out effectively, they can compromise the integrity of the flashing. Remember, flashing is a thin metal piece, and improper repair work can lead to cracks and water seepage.

Don’t Walk On Your Roof

Accidents sometimes happen, and humans and animals can inadvertently damage your flashing. Stepping on or catching a foot on a piece of flashing can bend or break it, creating a pathway for water to enter your home. Regularly inspect your flashing for any signs of physical damage.

Weather-Related Issues

Weather can be a formidable adversary regarding your roof’s well-being. Improperly installed shingles around your flashing can leave gaps that allow moisture to accumulate. Heavy rain and winter storms can lead to water pooling around the flashing, causing it to degrade and crack over time.

3. Weather

There are several ways weather can affect the longevity of your asphalt shingles. Sometimes, it can directly damage your roof with hail, or sometimes, it can indirectly damage your roof by knocking a tree over that can puncture or maim your roof. 

How To Check For Weather Damage.

The most critical time to check for weather damage is directly after a thunderstorm or rainstorm, although it’s never a good idea to go on your roof while it’s still wet, as it could result in serious injury. After a rainstorm, it is also an excellent time to check your gutters for excessive granules, which could also mean your roof will need to be replaced before an extended period.

4. Poorly Sealed Roof Valleys

The “valley” in a roof is where two different roof sections come together at a low point. This is where water will run down and, if installed correctly, drain down into the spouting or other roof section. These spots on the roofs are highly volatile, in large part due to the amount of water that will flow through them.

Due to the high water traffic here, the valley of the roof can often be a problem spot for roof leaks. The valley is also susceptible to damage if people are walking on it. It can be easy to catch a shingle on your foot, and then you are dealing with a broken or messed up shingle that needs to be replaced. While a valley in a roof may be more aesthetically appealing, it will be more susceptible to broken shingles or flashing, leading to leaks in the roof.

5. Improperly Installed Roof Vents & Skylights

While skylights are excellent for letting in natural light, they can often be the reason why is my roof leaking. You must ensure your roof is adequately sealed whenever you interrupt a lovely stretch of shingles with something like a skylight or a vent. Too often, skylights aren’t installed correctly, leading to a leak in the roof, which can be a costly fix.

This is another place where flashing is needed; it is just one more place for your flashing to become compromised over years of wear and tear. This is a big reason skylights must be replaced after years of use.

Roof vents are one of those things that you can’t get away from having to be installed. With the roof boots that are made nowadays, they can remain leak-free unless not appropriately installed. This is another reason why someone you don’t trust shouldn’t work on your home’s roof. Hire a roofing contractor with a good reputation.

6. A Cracked Chimney

If your roof leaks near your chimney, chances are you have a cracked chimney or are dealing with flashing that has become broken or deteriorated. A cracked chimney can sometimes be more challenging to identify some of the other issues and could appear to an untrained eye to still be perfectly intact; that’s why a roof inspection may be the best option. A professional roofer can tell you what needs to be fixed and possibly fix it while he is there.

7. Cheap Roofing Materials

Cheap roofing materials aren’t worth it! Just ask your neighbor who is having problems with his roof after only replacing it a couple of years ago. Any reputable professional roofer will tell you that although your upfront cost may be more, it is worth it in the long run. While shingles and flashing can become damaged, cheaper materials often wear down and break faster than the shingles we use.

This is precisely why Elmer’s Roofing uses GAF shingles. While they might be more expensive upfront, the high-quality materials can’t be compared. Regarding roofing materials, ensure your roofing contractor knows that you want reliable, proven materials installed on your roof.

The biggest mistake homeowners make is hiring the wrong roofing contractor to install the roof on their homes. While we realize only some homeowners have extensive knowledge about shingles, roofs, and flashing, having the right roofing contractor to guide you can solve your problems. Doing the proper research to find a reputable roofing contractor in your area will go a long way. You can also ask your neighbors and friends who they recommend as a residential roofer for their home.

You should be very skeptical of the roofing contractor knocking on your door and asking if you want your roof checked. Most of the time, these guys are bad news and just out looking for an easy dollar. Storm chasers usually arrive at your home after a big storm involving hail has passed through your area.

While the concern about your roof after a hailstorm is valid and something you should consider, it would be best to call your local roofing company with good reviews and high-quality materials.