A leaking roof leaves your home vulnerable to harsh weather conditions and further damage. Repairing the problem swiftly is the best course of action for your roof and your peace of mind.
We know that finding a leak in your roof is stressful. We also know that understanding the situation makes it easier to deal with. We want to make it easy for you to know exactly what’s gone wrong and what it’ll take to fix it. In this article, we explain how to spot common types of roof leaks, what causes the leak, and how you can fix it.
1. Broken Or Damaged Shingles
With Florida’s annual hurricane season, your roof is no stranger to harsh weather conditions. Heavy rains and strong winds put a strain on your roof’s shingles and cause them to become dislodged over time. Strong winds can also knock branches onto your roof, which can crack or damage shingles.
How To Spot The Problem
Most shingle roofs use shingles that are the same color or within a range of similar tones. This makes it easy for you to spot missing or dislodged shingles. Simply look for different-colored patches on your roof. Random shingles lying on your lawn are also a good sign!
Damaged or cracked shingles may be harder to spot. You can use a pair of binoculars or the zoom function on your phone’s camera to spot cracks and chips. Be on the lookout for signs your shingles need replacing.
For the ultimate peace of mind, schedule a roof inspection with ABC Roofing.
How To Fix The Problem
To replace a damaged or missing shingle, a professional team of roofers will pry up the row of nails that connects the problem shingle to the one below it. When all the nails are removed, a new shingle is slid in place, the nail hoel is sealed, and an approved adhesive will secure it.
2. Cracked Flashing
Your roof’s flashing consists of a layer of metal installed under the shingles on the edges and joints of your roof. This layer creates a water-resistant barrier and helps keep your home dry.
Many roofers use specified roof cement to seal the flashing. Over time though, parts of your flashing can wear out and become exposed to the elements. This makes it susceptible to damage.
How To Spot The Problem
Whether exposed or concealed, you may be able to spot broken or damaged flashing by looking for large cracks or rust stains
How To Fix The Problem
To replace a damaged portion of flashing, the nails that secure that strip of flashing to your roof are removed, along with any shingles in the way. The cracked portion is removed and replaced with a new sheet of flashing. Finally, the new flashing is secured with roofing nails, and the nail heads are sealed with roofing sealant.
3. Debris Buildup In Gutters
Bad gutters affect your roof because your gutters direct water away from your roof. When they’re clogged with debris, the water pools in one area and starts to seep into your home through small cracks in your roof. This can quickly result in major roof leaks.
How To Spot The Problem
You might see leaves or sticks poking out the top of your gutter. You’ll also notice little to no water coming through the downspout during a batch of rain.
How To Fix The Problem
To unclog a gutter, you’d need to climb a ladder and remove the debris by hand. This is a dangerous task, so call in a professional to inspect and evaluate your roof. The best time to clear your gutters is during spring and fall.
4. Unsealed Valleys
Valleys are any area where two planes of roofing meet. They are sloped to direct water down off your roof. When your valleys aren’t sealed correctly, water can get inside your home. An unsealed valley might be caused by poor roof installation, cracks from carrying excess weight, or erosion from heavy rain.
How To Spot The Problem
You can spot an unsealed valley by finding wet spots along the seams of your roof.
