Roof Leaks and How To Spot Them

A complete roofing system is made of of many components that work together. Roof leaks can cause major damage. Identifying where the roof leak is coming from can be difficult. In the event of a leak, try to contain the leak as much as possible until you can get a roof inspection.

That being said, your roof is exposed to the elements. There are many things that can happen to your roofing system. The asphalt roofing materials designed today can withstand a lot of what mother nature throws at it. It is important to keep a properly maintained roof and gutter system to avoid potential problems.

Flashings

First, roof flashings are places in several different areas of the roof that help direct water away from critical areas. These areas include skylights, chimneys, next to walls, in valleys and along the edges of the roof line. If your flashing is warped or damaged, this will cause water to leak under your shingles and potentially into your attic.

Vents

Cracked pipe boots, missing nails or broken vents can all be causes of roof leaks. It may seem like a small issue, but any chance for water intrusion can lead to major issues. In fact, vent repairs tend to be fairly inexpensive, so catching them right away can potentially save you from a premature roof replacement or extensive repairs.

Moss and Debris

Moss buildup and debris left on the roof is an excellent spot for water to buildup that can damage the shingles or leak into the house. If proper roof maintenance isn’t done, the moss can grow underneath the shingles, lifting them causing water damage.

Chimneys

Furthermore, we frequently receive phone calls for leaks near a chimney. Chimney mortar can erode quite quickly if not properly maintained. If a chimney isn’t properly maintained, the mortar can expand and contract. During winter, if water gets inside those cracks and freezes, it can cause the mortar to crack allowing for water intrusion.

Gutters

Equally important, gutters can be an oversight for some when it comes to considering the safety of your roof. Clogged gutters can cause issues all the way from your roof to your crawl space.  If water isn’t allowed to drain freely through your gutter system, that water will find elsewhere to go. Clogged gutters will lead to water leaking in between your siding, into your walls, cause damage to your foundation and build up moisture in your crawl space.

Foot Traffic

Finally, being up on your roof can cause damage. When the shingles heat up, it’s important to avoid walking on them. Walking on them in extreme heat will cause the granules to scrape off. On the other hand, during the winter months, be careful when hanging holiday  decorations. Don’t drill or puncture any unnecessary holes, attach hooks or decorations to the edges of your shingles.

In conclusion, what may seem like an insignificant or inexpensive repair could turn into a major issue. Roof leaks don’t just resolve themselves or go away. Hence, it doesn’t hurt to get a quote from a contractor. Most, if not all contractors offer free repair or replacement estimates. This could be a helpful tool in better understanding the extent of your roofing issues and planning the best way to proceed.

Above all, here at MCE, we offer free evaluations of your roofing and gutter systems. Give MCE a call at (503) 397-2215 or Fill Out Our Free Roofing Consultation Form to schedule a contact-free roof evaluation. A certified GAF Master Elite Contractor. We are family owned and operated serving Columbia County, the Portland Metro and surrounding areas with over 25 years of experience.