Leaky Roofs: A Common Frustration

Common frustrations come in all forms this time of year, and a frequent problem people face is a leaking roof. In many instances, these leaks are easily fixed and typically do not result in a total roof replacement.

Taking care of these issues sooner rather than later is necessary to ensure the leak does not get progressively worse.

While residential roofing is not one of our core services, we get a lot of questions regarding leaking roofs and wanted to provide this important information! Some causes of your leaking roof might include:

Worn Flashings

When a roof has any type of protrusion (chimneys, vent pipes, etc.), there is an opportunity for water intrusion and flashings help to prohibit this. Flashings are thin pieces of material that redirect the flow of water from entering in between the edges of the roof and protrusion. When these flashings become worn, they become permeable and ineffective.

Although we do not specialize in shingle roofing, these flashings are also used on Duro-Last applications for any circular protrusions.

Ice Dams

If you find your roof is leaking in the winter months, you are most likely faced with an ice dam. This occurs when snow melts and the water collects on the edges and refreezes. To prevent ice dams from forming, make an effort to clean the snow off your roof in a timely fashion!

Skylights

Although it’s not extremely common in Northern Michigan, homes with skylights are especially susceptible to leaks if the sealant becomes loose or is improperly installed. Leaks can also occur if the glass in the window is cracked.

Obstructed Gutters

Whether you are a do-it-yourself type of homeowner or choose to hire someone to help, making sure your gutters are free of obstructions is important in preventing roof leaks. If water isn’t freely flowing away from the roof, it can potentially become backed up under your shingles. If a leak is occurring near a gutter, this might be the case.

Condensation in the Attic

We featured an article about the importance of attic insulation and sometimes, the effects of not properly insulating/ventilating can translate into what homeowners believe is a leak in the roof. If condensation is gathering in the floor of the attic, it is common to seep down into the ceiling and lead people to believe that it’s a complication with the roof.

Wear and Tear

All in all, your roof can become worn over time with regular maintenance procedures. While shoveling your roof is important to limit ice dams, this activity can cause wear and tear. To ensure this is the problem, call a roofing specialist to perform an inspection.