Why is roof leaking

No sheet is as wide as a roof, so multiple sheets must be overlapped and joined, either with adhesive or hot-air welding.

In flat, open spaces, these seams hold up well, but at the edges of the roof — and especially around flashing, pipes, or at the site of an older patch — delamination can lead to a roof leak. Neglect: Ignoring a roof has disastrous consequences. Failure to maintain and inspect your roof can lead to leaks at weak points. Pitch pans and caulking can dry out, crack, and let water seep in.

Regular monitoring and resealing when necessary can prevent leaks and further damage down the road. Without regular maintenance, minor issues can balloon into systemic problems that necessitate a full re-roof or, worse, structural work.

Rooftop Equipment: The areas near heavy equipment like HVAC units and exhaust fans are often the site of punctures and leaks. Screws can be pulled out , and washers or gaskets can dry rot, all creating potential entry points for water. If leaks are a major concern for you, inform your roofing contractor. He can point you in the direction of a roofing material that is the least likely to leak. He might recommend a moisture barrier as well.

Knowing what causes a leak is important, but that can only take you so far if you already have one. What you really need to know is how to minimize the damage to your home until you can fix it. Otherwise, you might be looking at another leak. Next, you have to find the source of the leak.

Remember that it might not be in the area where you find water stains. The reason is that water can travel from the entry point several feet along the inside of your room line. This means that your leak could be several feet away from the water stain on your ceiling.

One way is to use a bucket of some kind to collect the water during downpours. If you notice that the water is being stored or collected in the ceiling, use a screwdriver to make a small hole.

This will funnel the water out in one location. Make sure that you have a bucket to collect the water that comes out. The best course of action is to hire a roofing contractor. He can check not only the overall structure of the roof but also other troubled areas that may become a leak.

Sometimes a small leak is something that you can handle on your own. This is typically the case when the leak comes from a nail in the roof. Using a sealer, you can prevent more water from dripping into the attic.

In some cases, these leaks are easy to find during the winter. As moisture moves down the nail, it will freeze. Other times, you simply need more sealant or caulk around roof joints. You get no such guarantee if you attempt to repair the roof yourself. You should also call a professional if you feel uncomfortable working on the roof. Most of the time, repairing a leak requires that you get on the roof.

Without the right safety equipment, you put yourself at risk of falling and getting hurt. Biyearly, you should also do your own visual inspection of the attic.

Take a look for warning signs such as:. These are signs that moisture is getting into your attic. If you notice any of them, you need to call a professional. The debris can clog up the intake vents and cause even more problems for your roof. Sometimes, it requires completely removing a section of the roofing deck. The roof is made of layers, and the shingles are only the top layer. The decking acts as the foundation for the other layers of your roof and is typically just plywood.

Once the decking gets wet, it can start to mold or become unstable quickly. A weak roofing deck can result in the collapse of your entire roof. The best course of action is, of course, to stop a leak before it ever starts.

However, how do you stop something before it happens? One way is to hire a roofing company such as Advance Roofing to perform a routine inspection. Age of roof. Over time, roofing material can weaken. Harsh weather and exposure to sunlight can also lead to the deterioration of your roof, making it easier for water to sneak in. The sooner you repair roof leaks on an aging roof, the better. Clogged gutters. Gutters can become clogged with leaves, pine needles, branches and other debris.

This slows down or stops the flow of rain water, allowing it to pool and making leaks more possible. This type of leak is easy to spot and is usually caused by improper installation or measuring of the skylight.

Water can trickle in through the chimney and find even the smallest crack or hole to seep into. Water may also pool at the base of the chimney in certain cases.

Roof vents. Plastic roof vents may crack over time, and the gaskets around pipe vents can crack or have gaps in them. Soffit or fascia damage.