The 5 Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks

If you keep getting bogged down by roofing issues, then you know that it can mean a great deal of investing time and money. No matter how old your roof is, you never know if it will need a quick repair or have significant work done. To avoid any impending disasters and be able to address the issue in time, here are the 5 most common causes of roof leaks you should look for this fall season.

Cracked Flashing

Flashing are the pieces of metal under shingles and on your roof joints. They are thin and form a water-resistant barrier. In their exposed form, they have the appearance of long runs of sheet metal, and when concealed, there will be a rubber coating overtop. If any of these pieces have cracked, then you’ll know if your flashing has broken. Cracks can occur from the weather, like wind or rain.

Attic Condensation

You can spot an attic leak if you notice mold and mildew growing in the space. The attic may also have a strong odor – if you smell anything musty, then it is likely that water has gotten inside.

Since the attic is at the highest point in a home, it can get trapped between both indoor and outdoor temperatures. When they join together in extreme weather conditions, then condensation forms.

Using the Roof Too Much

There’s no way to determine if using the roof too much is the cause of the leak. Don’t take a chance and go out onto your roof too much – it could be dangerous. Materials for roofs are quite fragile, so you wouldn’t want to step on an already cracked seal or an essential roof element. Instead, don’t let your roof get worse, and hire a well-qualified roofing team who will protect your home and add value.

Broken Shingles

Weather can also wreak havoc on shingles. When shingles are broken, they are easy to identify. Since shingles are the outside layer on your roof, you can see if any are missing by discovering different-colored patches. Also, after a major storm, you might find the shingles in your yard.

Clogged Gutters

If your gutters are clogged, you may notice leaves poking out of your roof’s gutter. You may also want to look to see if there is a lack of water flowing from the downspout when it’s raining.

Your gutters are supposed to make water move away from your roof. When they do get blocked, they stop water from traveling. As a result, rainwater will increase in one part of the roof, which causes a high likelihood of it seeping through the cracks.

If your roof is leaking, there could be a variety of causes for it. The list above details some of the most common roof leaks, but you may not be able to determine the cause yourself. Luckily, there are many Toronto roofing companies out there that would be happy to take a look at your roof and resolve any issues. Be sure to look for any signs of trouble and then speak to an expert about it.