The last thing anyone wants in their home is a roof leak. No one wants the hassle of obsessively watching the weather and running to put a bucket under their roof at the first sight of rain. Thankfully, roof leaks are not always as major as they sound and often just require small repair work. Below is a list of the most common roof leak causes.
Cracked Flashing
Over time flashing sealant can wear away and the flashing can become exposed. The elements, such as wind and rain, will cause it to crack. Flashing looks like long pieces of sheet metal, and if it’s broken you will be able to see large cracks. This can be easily fixed by replacing the sheet with a new one, securing it in the same position with roofing nails. A roof sealant will then need to be applied to the nails. A good coat of roof sealant can help prevent cracks in the future.
Broken Shingles
If you look up and see your roof has different coloured patches, then its more than likely you have lost some shingles. Bad storms can often cause shingles to fall off the roof. You will just need to replace the damaged or lost shingle using roofing nails.
Clogged Gutters
Unfortunately, you’ve just got to get your hands dirty with this one. If you notice leaves in your guttering or a lack of water trickling down, you are going to have to climb up that ladder and clear out all the debris. If guttering doesn’t get cleared, the water can pool on to a specific area, leaving it to drip through any cracks. A great way to waterproof your roof further is by coating it with roof sealant.
Vent and Skylight Leaks
Sadly, some jobs are best left to the professionals. If you start smelling a damp, musty smell and see dark patches forming in a certain area, then it is likely to be a vent leak. If you start seeing a leak coming from your skylight, then it was not installed properly in the first place. Both issues can cause severe water damage, and it is important they are checked and repaired properly.
Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this, the next time you come across an issue with your roof you will feel more comfortable with evaluating the kind of repair work that’s needed.
