Roof leaks. Two words homeowners never want to hear. The roof is your home’s number one defense against the elements – it’s what keeps you and your loved one safe. It’s also the most susceptible to water damage, fallen branches, high winds, and other damaging forces of nature. Once a roof has a leak, damage and destruction begins to take place inside the attic and eventually the home. It’s often challenging to detect the exact spot of the leak.

Calling a professional roofing company, such as Preferred Roofing Supply is the best way to prevent roof damage from getting worse and costing more time and money in the long run.  We offer a free 15-minute roof inspection. Our experts are skilled at detecting the source of a leak and recommending the best course of action. Addressing roof leaks as soon as possible could be the difference between a minor roof repair and a full roof replacement. 

But, what are the most common causes of roof leaks? And, how do they  affect your home? Read on to learn more about roof leaks and how you can prevent them from becoming a major home repair. 

This guide will give you an overview on the most common causes of roof leaks, how they affect your home, and what you can do to prevent more damage. 

Most Common Causes Of Roof Leaks

1. Broken Shingles

A broken shingle is one of the most common causes of roof leaks. Shingles are thin and flexible, so they can crack and break easily. It’s common for shingles to become loose and fall off your roof during bad weather conditions, notably thunderstorms, high winds and hurricanes.

If the shingles on your roof are cracked and worn, they are more susceptible to bad weather  As a result, rain is more likely to find its way into your home through the roof.

2. Cracked Flashing

Roof flashing is a water-resistant barrier that keeps water out. Generally, roof flashing are thin metal pieces installed under shingles and at roof joints. In order to prevent water intrusion, the flashing must be properly sealed. In addition, it needs to be nailed in place. If the nails rust or crack, the roof flashing becomes compromised.

3. Roof Age

The age of your roof will determine how well it will protect your home. Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of about 10 years. Over time, they begin to crack and wear from sun exposure, rain, hail, and snow.  The expansion and contraction of your roofing material due to temperature changes causes brittleness and cracking. 

4. Clogged Gutters

Gutters are designed to catch water as it flows off the roof and down the walls of the house. When gutters become clogged with debris such as branches and leaves, water begins to collect and eventually seep into the walls of the home.

To prevent this, clean your gutters regularly. It is important to check them to ensure they are clear of any fallen debris. If your gutters are clogged, wear latex gloves and clean them yourself or hire a professional roofing service.

5. Poor Ventilation 

The ventilation system of your home works to remove heat and moisture from inside your house and replace it with fresh air. But, if you don’t have adequate ventilation in your home, your attic space can quickly heat up and make your roof leak. Heat increases the moisture in your roof causing it to expand. This means that the roofing material will crack and the seams will eventually split open.

Conclusion 

We hope that this helps you understand what causes roof leaks and how they can be prevented. Identifying the source of the leak is not easy. Hiring a professional roofing contractor to conduct an inspection will save you time and money in the long run. Catching a roof leak early makes a world of difference. To preserve the life span of your roof and prevent further damage, it’s always best to hire a professional roofing company to repair your roof. 

If your roof is older than 10 years or there was severe weather in your area, call Preferred Roofing Supply to schedule a free 15-minute roof inspection. You’re always in good hands with our team of experts. They can recommend the most cost-effective solution for roof repairs, and if you are in need of a roof replacement, rest assured you will be getting the highest-quality work and products – GUARANTEED! Visit our website for a complete list of locations throughout Georgia or to speak to one of our team members.