Why Leaks Happen And How A Professional Roofer Can Help
Posted on: 17 May 2022
Discovering that your roof is leaking is usually only the tip of the iceberg. Pinpointing the source and cause of the leak can be a bigger headache because its origin could be a few feet away from where the leak is noticed. Nonetheless, the leak needs to be resolved by an expert to avoid dealing with side effects such as mold and mildew, sagging walls, structural problems, and energy inefficiency. Below are three possible causes of leaks:
Faulty or Improperly Installed Flashing
All joints on your roof can have the potential for leaks. To resolve this, roof flashing is installed to seal all spaces. Additionally, sealing the gaps helps to protect your home from pest invasions. However, the flashing can wear down due to the continual exposure to weather elements, thus exposing the gaps and joints. If this issue is not discovered in time, your roof may leak. Therefore, you need to call for roof repair services for immediate diagnosis and resolution. In some cases, the roofer may have to replace the old flashing with a new one and complete the repairs with fasteners and sealant to restore proper roof functioning.
Damaged or Missing Asphalt Shingles
If some shingles are missing, your roof will inevitably start to leak. Roofing shingles are generally known to be tough, but even they can only take so much pressure and wear. For example, too much impact, e.g., from being walked on or a tree branch falling on them, may cause them to break. In addition, when strong winds occur, some shingles may get blown off your roof. As a result, there would be no way to shield your home from weather elements effectively.
This would cause further damage to the roofing because the underlayment, now exposed, would also be in danger of rotting. To cover the gaps in your roof, your roofer will have to replace the damaged or missing shingles. They also need to address any damage to the underlayment and other components.
A Faulty Pipe Boot
The pipe boot is usually made of lead, copper, or plastic and does a similar job to the flashing. However, unlike the flashing, the boot is usually installed on the base of the pipes protruding from your roof for waterproofing purposes. Since it plays such a crucial role, a damaged boot can cause your roof to leak. A problematic boot usually causes leaks in your bathroom, closet, or bedroom since this is where the pipes are located. Professional installation of a rubber collar over the worn-out pipe boot is a viable roof repair option for this issue.
If you have a leaking roof, this guide should be a good place to start gathering information about its possible causes. It is imperative that you promptly consult a roof repair expert for professional diagnosis and resolution to sort out the issue.
For more info, contact a local roofing contractor.
Share