We all know that roofs protect our homes from the elements. But have you ever thought about what happens if your roof is not in good shape? In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify a leaky roof and some common causes of leaks.
Damaged Flashing – A Metal Edge Around Your Roof Vent Or Chimney
The first thing that you need to check is the flashing. Flashing can be metal edges that are around your roof vents and chimneys. If this has become damaged, water will leak behind those areas during a storm and go into the walls of your house. This problem usually occurs towards the bottom of your roof because it is more exposed to debris, like leaves and twigs, being blown in from nearby trees in autumn. It does not matter if you live in a dry area, as flashings still need to be kept free of debris so water cannot enter through there.
Cracks – Holes in The Structure of Your Roof
Next up on our list is cracks. These can be easy to spot if you know what you are looking for. To identify a crack in the structure of your roof, look for a line or mark that has become discolored. It should appear completely separate from the rest of the roof and it should be running through two pieces of shingles instead of one. If this is not the case, there may just be dirt lodged in between those pieces of shingles.
Missing Shingles
The next thing to check is whether or not any shingles have been lifted off of your roof and discarded nearby. Sometimes when this happens during high winds, these shingles can fly right off your roof and land on top of other houses or outside areas near your home. If your roof has sustained any type of damage, you should make sure that this doesn’t happen again. You can do this by repairing the shingles as soon as possible or replacing them altogether.
Leaking Skylights
Sometimes leaks can occur in your skylights if they’re not sealed properly. Shingles are needed to help seal these along with other materials like caulking. If debris is blocking the seal and getting in between the pieces of glass, water might be able to seep inside of it. Another problem could be structural issues with the skylight itself or where it is installed on top of your roof’s framework. This would leave room for water and ice buildup because there would be nothing stopping them from descending deeper into your roof.
Gutters
Check your gutters and make sure that they are in good working order and free of debris. Clogged gutters can let water build up inside, which in turn will cause leaks to appear on the side of you home’s walls during a storm or after heavy rainfall. Clean out any overflowing material from your gutters so this doesn’t happen. If needed, replace missing or damaged pieces as well. You should clean out your gutters at least once every year to maintain their efficiency and ensure that debris does not block them off completely next time around. Also remember to check the downspouts for clogs or damage too!
Cracked Foundation – Look for Bulges in Your Basement Walls
Another problem that can cause water to leak into the structure of your home is a cracked foundation. This could be happening if extreme weather has caused problems with cracks in your foundation that are allowing water inside. You should check for these cracks by looking at the walls in your basement since this is where you will find them most often. If you notice any bulges, call a professional immediately so they can repair or replace the damaged portions of your foundation during a timely manner.
