4 Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Roof leakages are the most annoying thing owners face in a house. Leaks are unexpected and can cause significant damage to the interiors of the house, if not taken care of on a regular basis. You can take the help of find and repair roof leaks in Dallas or any other area in the US to avoid costly repairs in the future. In addition to taking the help of a roofing expert, there are some common causes that you need to look out for some common causes that may lead to roof leaks. The post discusses five most common causes of roof leaks.

1. Cracked Flashing

One of the common causes of roof leak is a cracked flashing. Roof flashings are thin metal pieces, installed under shingles and roof joints, to create a water-resistant barrier, either concealed or exposed. Exposed flashing looks like long runs of sheet metal on the roof and concealed flashing have a rubberized coating on the top. A broken flashing is evident by the large cracks on its surface due to the corrosion of the sealing tar, which is used to seal the flashing together. The tar used to seal the flashing corrodes over the time and crack the flashing.

2. Cracked Vent Booting

Vents look like small pipes, which visibly stick out of the top of the roof. The purpose of vent booting is to expel excess moisture from the interiors of the house. Popular choices for vent boots include plastic, plastic with metal, and two-piece metal units. The vents are sealed by placing flashing around their opening and a tight rubber boot is slipped over the area where the pipe’s end is visible from the outside of the roof. If the flashing breaks or the rubber boot decays, it may lead to roof leaks, which have evident dark spots and mustiness. Get in touch with a roofing expert to resolve the problem and avoid costly repairs in the future.

3.Cracked chimney

Wear and tear along the mud cup of the chimney and mortared area indicate that the chimney is cracked and may lead to leakages. Holes in the mortared joints between the chimney and the roof, along with the presence of loose flashing and shingles are signs of leakage. Erosion of mortar is very common in adverse weather conditions, as it is made up of sand, water, and cement. Take the help of a roofing expert to replace the missing mortar.

4. Condensation in the attic

Mold and mildew growth or musty odor from attic indicate water seepage into the attic. The attic, being the uppermost part of the home, faces varying indoor and outdoor temperatures. Condensation and moisture find its way to creep in spaces between the roof and the attic walls. Get in touch with a professional roofing expert to remove mold growth and isolate the attic to negate large temperature fluctuations. Ensure that all of the roof vents remain clear from the interior side and should install ventilation fans, as and when required.

Last few words

Roofs are one of the most important areas to look after for homeowners, especially if you reside in areas that face hail, rain, snow or thunderstorms. Ensure that you hire a roofing expert to inspect any leakages to avoid costly repairs in the future. Regular checks and in-time repairs are only things which could negate any serious damages to the roof and ensure its peak health.