Why Is My Roof Leaking?

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. 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, flashings play a pretty big role in keeping your roof safe from water intrusion. 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

Second, 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. 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 to clean the moss on the roof, the moss can grow underneath the shingles, lifting them causing water damage.

Skylights

Skylights can be vulnerable areas prone to leaking if flashing fails or if the skylight isn’t installed properly. Find out if your skylight is covered under a warranty. If not, and it was not recently replaced, it may have failed and is time to replace it completely.

Chimneys

Leaks around the chimney are a frequent cause of some of the phone calls we receive. Chimney mortar can erode quite quickly if not properly maintained. If a chimney isn’t properly maintained, the mortar can expand and contract and during the winter months if water gets inside those cracks and freezes, it can cause the mortar to crack and fall apart allowing for water intrusion.

Gutters

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. It can overflow your gutters and leak into the roof, in between your siding, into your walls and cause damage to your foundation and build up moisture in your crawl space.

Foot Traffic

Being up on your roof too much can cause damage to your roof. During the summer months, your shingles will heat up under the hot sun. Walking on them will cause the granules to scrape off. Always be careful when hanging Christmas decorations. Don’t drill or puncture any unnecessary holes in the roof or attach hooks or decorations to the edges of your shingles.

Don’t wait to repair your roof. What may seem like an insignificant or inexpensive repair that you’re putting off will turn into a major issue. Roof leaks don’t just resolve themselves or go away. 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.

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.