Leaky Roof Leaks

A roof leak at the edge of a dormer can allow a lot of water to enter your home.

Leaky roof leaks.

See if there are numerous failing or missing shingles wide gaps where roofing material meets vents or a chimney and other signs of widespread wear and tear. Regular inspections are your best defense against a leaky roof. Roof leaks can ruin insulation become a breeding ground for black mold damage interior ceilings and walls and rot the wooden framing. Even over a short time small leaks can lead to big problems such as mold rotted framing and sheathing destroyed insulation and damaged ceilings.

Other sources of potential leaks in the home include plumbing roof scuppers roof drains hvac and condensation. Boots the rubber seals that are around the electric service and plumbing vent pipes air vents and exhaust fan. So let s look at the ten of the most common culprits in causing your roof to leak and what you can and should do about them other than recruiting a bucket brigade. The longer water soaks into your walls flooring and furniture the more you ll be at risk for mold and water damage.

The flashing leak that caused an expensive repair bill was obvious from the ceiling stains for over two years. Both danger and the probability of structural erosion increase if unaddressed. Check plumbing vent boots and roof vents if water is entering from that area to cause the leaking roof. Of course there are also ways to stop leaks before they happen.

If a roof leak is fixed quickly it rarely spells a death sentence for the roof. To avoid roof replacement and maximize the lifespan of your roof it s important to develop healthy habits surrounding your roof. Once you have determined that the leak is caused by a roof related issue measure the location of the leak in the living space from two fixed points. The key is to catch leaks before they grow and lead to major damage.

Dormer leaks can be caused from a number of issues. If your roof is leaking it s most likely because it s raining outside which will make your roof even more slippery and treacherous to navigate on your own. Inspect your roof for widespread wear and tear. Worn out flashing or missing sealant can also cause roof leaks around dormers.

Start a more thorough clean up. Look for cracks in the base of flexible rubber flashing or broken seams in metal varieties of vent pipe flashing. Look for curled cracked or missing shingles at the leak site and evaluate your roof s overall condition. If you have a leaky roof you d better fix it immediately even if it doesn t bother you much or you re getting a new roof next year.

Ridge cap flashing gaskets around pipes. Rotten or missing trim or siding can allow water to leak behind flashing and into your roof.