It’s something most home and commercial building owners will have to deal with at some point in their lives. Roofs are a complex part of your home and any breakdown between the time the moisture hits your roof to the time it exits your downspouts, moisture can pool up causing problems to not only your roof, but if not caught in time, many other parts of your home.
By the time you notice that dark stain in your ceiling or streaks on your walls, a lot of damage will likely have been done but to prevent further damage (and possible roof failure) you need to find the problem and fix it fast. Calling a roof contractor for an immediate inspection is the best move you can make. Leaks can be caused by many things and when it comes to protecting your home you want an expert to find the source and prevent future occurrences.
What causes these leaks? Your roofing contractor may find one or more of the following conditions contributing to your leak:
1) Compromised Shingles
Perhaps they weren’t installed properly or you’ve just been through a wind storm, maybe they are just old. Shingles that have blown off, fallen off or out of place due to improper installation or other factors will compromise the integrity of your roof, causing leaks. Many times this can be spotted from the ground, however on some roofs a professional may be required to inspect.
2) Compromised Valleys
The roof valley (The “V” created where two sloping roofs meet) could have been punctured. Either the valley metal (open valley) or shingles (closed valley) could have been damaged either accidentally by other personnel or roofers stepping in them or if maintenance is neglected, build up of debris could cause water buildup and leaks.
3) Poor installation or materials
One of the most common causes for leaks is poor workmanship. If the roofing contractor did not install the materials properly, leaks almost always occur. Leaks caused by improper installation can include the roof membrane, roof flashing, roof vents or chimney, although these can be punctured by various things, the most common problem with these areas are poor installation of materials.
4) The roof has been punctured by something else
Falling limbs or trees, hail or other objects can cause great damage to your roof. After a storm, it would be prudent to have an inspection as soon as possible if signs of a leak are present.
5) Improper Room Ventilation
Improper ventilation in rooms where high moisture is generated (bathrooms, kitchens, sunrooms) can cause moisture build up and cause damage. Be sure these rooms are ventilated properly to avoid problems.
6) The roof is just too old
Roofs don’t last forever, once the materials in your roof age beyond their life expectancy they begin to break down, compromising the integrity of your roof.
If you notice any signs of leakage in your roof, it is imperative to repair the problems as soon as possible to avoid further damage and major expense. Have your roof inspected yearly (twice yearly for commercial buildings) to stay on top of things!
Call Atlanta Roofing Specialists today at 770-419-2222 for your free roof inspection today!