A leaking roof is a clear sign that your property isn’t secure, and no homeowner should sit back and cross their arms without doing anything about the situation. We understand how easy it is to push back roof repairs, especially when your roof only leaks sometimes and you have no reminder like rainfall to force you into action. In the same way, we know the importance of a healthy, properly functioning roof.
In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of leaks in your roof and how you can curb them. By the time you’re done reading this article, you will understand the reason for your occasional roof leak, the sources of leaks, and how to fix it.
Why Your Roof Leaks Occasionally
During intense weather conditions, some roofs tend to experience inconsistent leaks. As a homeowner with a water-resistant roof, your roof may still experience leaks due to poor installation or damage. Such leaks may be noticeable on some days into the storm, while others won’t be under the same conditions.
When you notice water penetrating your home during rainfall, pay attention to it to be aware and know how to come up with a solution. Also, during heavy rainfalls or storms, look out for water entering your home. There are a couple of various instances where you could experience a leak. One of them includes horizontal rain impact.
During rainfall with strong winds, rain may fall to the ground parallelly. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles have a design that allows them to defend against water coming perpendicularly. Hence, when the rain falls horizontally or is wind-driven, it can penetrate the shingles and gain access to areas it has no business contacting. Even moments after the rain has stopped, the water can still seep through the openings due to the time it takes to travel the passage of the roofing system.
Causes of Roof Leaks During Heavy Rainfall
Chimneys
Chimneys have a reputation for being one of the most common causes of leaks in roofs. Because of their vulnerability to leaks from constant exposure to the elements, like rainfall, you should inspect them often. Anything could be wrong with them, including the metal flashing pulling away or rusting. In addition, the leaks can result from saturation in the mortar joints due to the extended rainfall duration.
If water gets in from your chimney’s top, there is a high chance that it is rusted or cracked. Some cracks are due to expansion and contraction from the contrast between the fireplace’s high temperature and the lower outdoor temperature.
You may experience additional leaks when you have an ineffective valley design that causes a barrier for drainage around the chimney. On the other hand, when the siding on the chimney fails, it compromises its functionality, causing water to gain entry.
Skylights
Some homeowners are not fans of skylights because of their high chances of leaking during storms. Cutting a hole in your roof is inevitable if you want to install a skylight. Taking the risk of exposing your roof to leaks is the price you get to pay for natural lighting and an elevated curb appeal. Skylights are resistant to water. However, over the years, they begin to experience wear, making them susceptible to leaks, especially during heavy rains. Hence, we recommend getting an expert roofing contractor to ensure the proper sealing of your skylight. However, the most common cause of skylight leaking is inadequate installation. You can avoid bad installation by hiring the correct hands. To correct a poor skylight installation, you may have to remove the flashing kit first. Afterward, you’ll install a water and ice shield around it before re-installing the flashing kit.
Cracked or Rusted Roof Flashing
Flashings protect other vulnerable areas on your roof aside from the chimney. When they rust, their ability to protect those areas decreases. Roof flashing-related problems, including cracks, rust, and poor installation, are among the top causes of leaks during the rainy season.
Until you conduct a proper inspection, you may not know if your roof flashing is responsible for the roof leaks. But whatever the case, repairing or replacing your flashing should not be an option once you spot cracks, rust, or any damage. It is a must.
Pipe Boot Failure
The failure of a boot covering a pipe or other penetration is another common cause of roof leaks. The function of such boots is to make them waterproof. However, when you expose them to the sun for extended periods, the coots can give way to pressure and crack. The cracking of the boots creates room for water to gain entry into the room beneath. Pipe boots were not designed to last as long as the roof. They have an estimated lifespan of ten years, which can vary depending on factors like weather and location. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance are crucial.
Leaves and Debris in Roof Valleys
Due to lack of maintenance, debris accumulates in your roof valley and gutters over time. Leaving debris to stay on your roof without intervention is a call for trouble, as it can lead to leaks in your roof. The debris creates an obstacle that prevents the proper flow of water off the roof, causing water to remain stagnant and find a way into the roofing system or your home. Hire a professional to conduct annual roof inspections and maintenance to prevent this.
Popped-Up Roofing Nails
When the roofer doesn’t drive the roofing nail in properly during installation or the nail pops up, it can cause leaks during heavy rainfall. If a roofer doesn’t drive the nail deep enough, the nail’s head will pop back up through the shingles, creating a passage for water to enter your home.
How Roof Aging Contributes to Leaks
Aging is a natural phenomenon that all roofs must experience. However, some roofs will age faster than others, depending on the quality of the material, environmental and weather conditions, and maintenance culture. Some roofing materials can last more than 100 years, while some have a lifespan of twenty years or less.
Performing roof maintenance at least once a year is a good roofing practice to adopt. It will help you know the state of your roof, detect problems early, and deal with them before they become more complex and cause leaks.
Conclusion
Now, you know the possible reasons why your roof leaks sometimes and know just what to do to nip it in the bud. You have experienced leaks during intense rainfall if your roof has been long neglected and has not undergone maintenance in a long time. Allowing leaves and other debris to accumulate around your valleys, chimneys, and other penetrations can cause clogging and water dams.
Dealing with a roof leak can be tiring. You know what’s even more draining? Locating the leak to take the necessary steps to correct the situation before things escalate. So, we advise hiring a roofing contractor to inspect your roof for damage and lurking damage waiting to happen. They’ll also remove leaves and other debris that may be blocking your gutters. Doing this will help you keep leaks away from your roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most likely cause of a roof leak?
There are a couple of possible causes of a roof leak. However, the most common causes of leaks in roofs are missing or broken shingles, aging, damaged flashing, damaged chimneys, and clogged gutters. If you don’t correct such problems in them, they will lead to more costly problems and cause you discomfort.
What is the source of roof leaks?
The most common spots where leaks appear are around valleys, skylights, chimneys, and gutters due to clogged gutters, worn shingles, or damaged flashing. With frequent inspections, you can catch leaks early and fix them promptly and save your property from water damage and yourself from expensive repairs.
What is the permanent solution for roof leakage?
There’s only one permanent solution to roof leakage: getting a professional to repair the roof or replace it.
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