Having a roof over your head is one of the most comforting idioms you could hear. This is because it means that you can be protected from bad weather and extreme temperatures. But the saying uses the term roof because of how it’s so necessary to make your home as safe and secure as possible.
If your roof is damaged, the first thing you’ll probably notice is that it’s leaking. Whenever it rains or snows, you might notice drips in certain parts of your house. If this keeps up, water stains and damage, such as warped wood, may occur. But the exact reason why your roof is leaking can be varied. And it’s important to know the exact cause of the leaky roof so you can make the proper repairs yourself or get the services of professional roofers like D’Angelo & Sons Roofing.
To find out more about why your roof is leaking, here’s a list of the possible causes:
- The Roof Is Ageing
One of the main reasons that you might have a leak in your roof is because it’s too old. No matter what kind of roofing material it is, it’s bound to get damaged and worn down eventually. Consider how much a roof goes through, especially in extreme weather conditions. The older a roof is, the more seasons it has seen, which means it isn’t as strong as it was when it was first installed.
- There’s A Crack In The Roof
Another reason as to why water can seep through your roof is because there’s a crack. No matter what kind of roof you have, they can still get damaged. For instance, in a storm, strong winds can cause serious destruction to your roof. On the other hand, the damage could also be undetectable, which can cause property owners to overlook it.
When this happens, there will be gaps in the roof where water could come in. In these gaps, water could develop rust, causing the crack to worsen. This also means that the leak will be horrendous to deal with, especially during the rainy or winter season. This is why one of the main ways to prevent a leak in the roof is to apply sealants on cracks.
- Missing Shingles
Aside from a crack in your roof, another cause would be missing shingles. If you use shingles, you should be aware that they can come undone. It might be due to poor quality nails, strong weather, or impact. Either way, missing shingles could be tough to spot especially if you don’t inspect your roof regularly. With missing shingles, the water can easily penetrate the wood and other parts of the roof. Eventually, the leak will pool and pass through the ceiling.
- Poor Quality Roofing Materials
One of the reasons why a roof can get so easily damaged is because it’s made out of poor-quality materials. This isn’t only about shingles, but it also has to do with the materials for the frame, nails, gutters, sealants, and more. If they’re poor in quality, they won’t be as durable and long-lasting, which means you’ll probably have to repair and replace them more frequently than you would with high-quality materials.
If you want it to last longer or to withstand all kinds of weather conditions, it’s best to invest in excellent materials. Doing this will protect your home from the worse water damage that can rot wood and cause mold growth. In the end, there will be more expensive bills to pay when you get other problems caused by a leaky roof.
- Lack Of Maintenance
Prevention is better than a cure also applies to home improvement, but in this case, it’s “maintenance is better than repairs.” This is because lack of maintenance could speed up the aging process of your roof. In addition to this, any existing cracks or damage might worsen if they aren’t identified and dealt with as soon as possible. Even the gutters, if left dirty and unmaintained, could lead to water and moisture collecting and eventually seeping through the roof. This is why there are some property owners who get their gutters professionally cleaned.
Roof maintenance consists of several other aspects including the trimming of overhanging branches, removal of moss, and the sealing of flashings. When you do this, the life of your roof can be prolonged. At the same time, it can withstand other potentially damaging factors.
Conclusion
Maintaining a house, in general, is difficult because of the many things that require attention. However, the roof is something that you might end up forgetting about because it’s not something that you can see and observe every day. This is why some problems might be difficult to identify until you get a leak inside your house. To prevent any problems from happening, regularly inspecting it can help you see any issues that can lead to leaks. In addition, many homeowners choose to pick up supplemental home warranty coverage to help cover the costs of major roof repairs.
