The Most Common Causes of Roofing Leaks

In most cases, a roof only lasts half its estimated lifetime. Sometimes, this is due to severe leaking issues.

A roof is an essential part of your business, but many people put off necessary maintenance. As a result, roof damage can go unnoticed for long periods — weakening your building and costing you money.

A roof can start leaking for many reasons, but don’t panic! Keep reading our latest blog to learn how to check your roof and avoid costly repairs or a replacement — until you need it.

Roof Age & Installation Quality

The most common reasons for leaks are your roof’s age and lack of maintenance. However, most roofing materials hold up well when appropriately maintained.

Worn-out roofing is a common reason for roof leaks. Even if it is old, a well-maintained roof will last longer than a neglected one, so it’s advisable to do checkups at least once a year.

Your roof’s installation quality is another crucial factor in maintaining its condition and preventing leaks. When you choose a reliable contractor, you’ll have a leak-resistant, secure structure!

Always research roofing providers before hiring one for your installation to avoid unexpected expenses in the future.

Roofing Membrane or Underlay Damage

Most roof tiles are sturdy and hold up in almost any weather condition. However, every material has limits, and compromised roofing can be a source of significant issues, especially during extreme weather.

If your roof has already been exposed to harsh weather, the underlay or membrane of your roofing system is probably susceptible to more damage.

Damage to any roof layer puts the rest of the structure in danger, so it’s best to complete any repairs immediately.

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are the primary system that channels water off your roof. Problems can arise if they are clogged with plant material, dirt, insects, or debris.

An uncleaned gutter can cause problems with the roof’s underlying material, leading to more repairs than necessary.

To prevent this and future roof leaks, check up on the gutters after heavy rainfall to ensure they are not clogged.

Ice Damming

In the colder months, ice can build up on your roof’s edge and form a dam that keeps water trapped on your roof, otherwise known as ice damming.

Water buildup from the dam increases the weight and stress on the roofing and can eventually cause damage or a leak. To prevent this, use a roof rake to remove leftover snow or ice. But be careful — pulling shingles from your roof allows melted snow to work its way in and cause leaks.

Temperature imbalances in a roofing system are a leading cause of ice damming. You can fix this by improving the insulation in your roof.

Keep an Eye on the Attic

Moisture from inside your attic is another reason for a leaky roof.

Attic condensation is common in the colder months. This is usually when there’s a large shift in external and internal temperatures. Wood and other materials that make up your roof and attic are prone to rot and rust.

If you notice signs of deterioration, check to see if your insulation and ventilation systems are functioning correctly.

Watertight Roofing: Repair, Replacement, Restoration

Watertight Roofing offers energy-efficient, quality roofing systems to repair or replace your damaged roof. Our highly trained roofing team is ready to help!

Feel free to visit one of our locations in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. Or, give us a call to book your free roof inspection!