Have you ever wondered what causes a roof leak? We’ll be taking a look at 3 common causes. While they do happen, it might be a mystery as to what cause these leaks to occur in the first place.
Once you know what causes them, it will probably keep you on elevated alert and enable you to check your roof on a regular basis. Roof leaks can cause water damage to your home. Not to mention, water damage itself can lead to mold growth.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. You’ll need to stop leaks at the source before they become bigger problems. With that in mind, here is a list of causes that leads to roof leaks:
Table of Contents
1. Age
Of course, wear and tear is a sign of age. Plus, asphalt shingles have the ability to stay on roofs for the better of 20 to 25 years. When you notice peeling and warping, those are common signs that those shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan.
Because of the constant changes in temperature and exposure to the elements, there’s no doubt that it accelerates the aging process. At this point, replacing the shingles with a new layer is a must.
2. Storm Damage
There are different types of roofs that may not sustain serious storm damage. That’s because there may be shingles that could sustain high winds of 60 miles per hour and the storm packed a wallop with higher wind speeds. If this is the case, you’ll need to find shingles with a much higher wind rating.
Consider getting shingles that can sustain winds of 130 miles per hour. Alternatively, you can replace the entire roof with something more along the lines of a metal roof. Yes, they are not as cost-effective as shingles, but the investment pays off in so many ways.
3. Skylights
Believe it or not, skylights in your home are not what they’re cracked up to be. If you have a skylight on your roof, you may have created a potential leak spot and not even know it. Especially if they are poorly fit or sealed.
You may want to inspect the skylight for any vulnerabilities and openings. Seal it shut if it’s large enough. Also, look for cracks or missing shingles around these skylights. If you see any of them, that’s when you know that repairs need to be made as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
Roof leaks occur when we least expect them. However, we seem to overlook what causes them. These three common causes listed above are among the many.
It’s always a good idea to check your roof on a regular basis. Especially after a nasty storm that came with some ridiculously high winds. Severe thunderstorms also have winds of 60 miles an hour or greater (enough to damage the shingles on your roof).
Knowing the cause of these leaks may get you thinking about repairing or replacing your roof in the not so distant future. Once you spot leaks (even before they happen), get them repaired as soon as possible. This article on roof leaks was written by Atlanta roofing company, Colony Roofers.