The Common Causes of Roof Leaks

It’s common knowledge for roofing professionals, that rain, ice storms and snow are all weather precipitations that can cause significant wear and tear on your home’s roof.

This can ultimately lead to moisture seeping into your home as well as roofing issues that can cost you both money and time.

In order to successfully prevent future roof leaking issues, we at Eagle Watch Roofing are providing you with the most common causes of roof leaks that any homeowner can detect and get repaired promptly by a roofing professional in Newnan, Georgia.

Brick Chimneys

There’s no denying that brick chimneys can be both incredibly sturdy and beautiful. With that said, however, the mortar used to seal the bricks in place and cover the joints that connect it to the roof have the propensity to slowly break down and crumble over time.

A quick inspection for any deterioration of the mud cap on the top of the chimney and the mortared joints should be all a homeowner needs to find the issue.

However, it is recommended to get your chimney inspected at least once a year in order to ensure that there are no holes or hairline cracks in the flashing and that the mortar is in proper shape.

Roof Flashing

As briefly mentioned above, compromised or damaged flashing can easily occur and lead to serious leaking.

If you’re not already familiar with the term, flashing are water-resistant flexible strips of rubber, metal, or other materials installed at areas that are prone to leaks around a roof like joints, edges or breaks.

Chimney flashing, step flashing or vent flashing sections could slide out of place if nails are missing and mortar or caulk could crack over time, allowing water intrusion. Luckily, roof flashing repair can typically be cheap and simple to perform.

Clogged Gutters

Allowing your home’s gutters to get clogged up with leaves and other debris can easily allow water to travel away from your roof and foundation to cause massive damage to your entire home.

While you may feel inclined to grab a ladder and some latex gloves and get the job done yourself, we strongly recommend hiring a professional to clean your gutters for you as this will ensure safety for an otherwise dangerous DIY project.

Skylights

When installed properly, skylights can be a visually stunning addition to any home. On the other hand, a poorly fitted skylight can sprout leaks, which can dry out rubber seals leaving dried out glass and cracks in its wake.

In order to properly ensure the skylight’s water barrier is holding up strong, your local roofing contractor can inspect for cracks in the sealant and flashing as well as search for any cracked or missing tiles around it.

Your roofer should also double-check that the skylight itself was installed with proper pitch – or at the correct angle for the particular steepness of your home’s roof.

While these are not all of the reasons your roof may spring a leak, they are some of the most common and should definitely be taken as a cause for concern.

At the end of the day, roof leaks are an invitation to many serious issues; they can damage interior walls and ceilings, become a breeding ground for mildew and mold, ruin insulation, and compromise the structural integrity of your home.

If you suspect a leak in your home, do not hesitate to contact Eagle Watch Roofing for more information regarding leaks and other roofing repairs.