A leak coming from your roof has several telltale signs. Water spots may appear out of nowhere on a ceiling or a dripping sound can come from the walls. Regardless of the signs, finding the root causes of the leak is essential for proper repair. Time is also important to help prevent further damage to your home and belongings. 

Discovering the cause of a leak and performing necessary repairs will help prevent further damage. But how do you know what is causing the leak? Typically the cause is from damage to the roof.

Below is a list of four common causes of a leaking roof to help you determine where the leak is coming from.

1. Damaged / Missing Material

Missing materials will leave the lower layers of your roofing system exposed and vulnerable. These materials are typically not designed to protect from water and are a likely cause of a leak. If your roof is missing a few tiles or shingles, you will want them replaced as quickly as possible. Storms and wind can cause damage to materials that might not automatically be detected.

Frequent roof inspections and clearing debris from the roof can help prevent damage and keep your roof in great working order. If you find damage or issues with your roof, repairs are essential before another storm comes through and further damages the home.

2. Old Age

As a roof ages, its materials will start  to break down, become frail, and eventually deteriorate. Depending on your roofing material, your roof will last a variety of years. If you do not know how old your roof is, schedule an inspection with a local roofer. They will be able to tell you how much longer until you will need to replace your roof and identify any other issues with it. 

The older the roof, especially if it is past its standard lifespan, the more severe the damage can be. Leaks inside an old roofing system will be amplified by its age. If you have signs of a leak inside your home, consider the age of the roof before you spend anything on a large repair.

3. Clogged Gutters

Many homeowners do not consider their gutters to be a cause of a leaking roof, but it is actually more popular than one would think. Gutter systems are installed to give water a place to go once it hits a house. When the gutters are clogged with debris, water will back up and sit where the roof meets the gutter line. The more water that collects, the  greater the chance a leak will form. Cleaning gutters at least once a year will help prevent this from happening. 

4. Flashing 

The purpose of flashing in a roofing system is to direct water away from vulnerable areas. This includes where a wall might meet the roof, around chimneys and skylights, and other areas where the roof joins together. When flashing is damaged or missing, water will find its way through the sensitive parts of your roof and cause a leak inside the home. 

Flashing can be damaged, ripped from its position, or even corrode over time. If you suspect flashing is the cause of a leak, you will want to replace or have it fixed very soon, especially if a storm is going to roll through.

Find A Professional

If you suspect your roof is leaking, check these areas first before contacting a roof company. While DIY repair might not always be the best option, small repairs can be done by most homeowners to fix a leak. As always, safety should be the number one priority. If you cannot safely identify the cause of your leak and fix it, contact your local roofer. 

Craven Construction is available for roofing repairs and maintenance in the East Valley. Our team will professionally assess your roofing system and provide you with the best solution to not only repair it, but help prevent future damages. Call our office to schedule your FREE estimate.

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About Craven Construction

Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.

Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.