Oh no, roof leaks are the worst, especially when a home or business is involved! It’s critical to get roof leaks dealt with as soon as possible, but to do that the cause must first be uncovered. After the leak has been identified, it can be properly repaired in order to prevent more water from continuing to wreak ever-increasing amounts of costly havoc.
The Age of Roofing Materials
Whether it’s asphalt or metal, all materials break down over time through exposure to the elements. Not to mention the adhesives that hold the materials together, such as tar. As the years pass the durability, dependability, and longevity of the materials will decline. Mother Nature always wins the battle, so if a roof leak appears, the first thing to check is roofing material. Consider whether the severity of the leak begs for spot maintenance or it’s a sign that the existing roofing needs to be replaced.
Debris Dams
Sometimes it can be hard to see the entirety of a roof without getting up there and looking around. Home and business owners may not notice debris building up and essentially creating dams where water gets hung up or accumulated. As it gets worse and continues to over-saturate the area, moisture build-up and leakage becomes more and more likely. Periodically (especially after storms) check to ensure the roof remains clear of debris.
Overly Clogged Gutters
When gutters are completely full of debris, leaves, twigs and sticks, etc., the entire water run-off system of the roof is compromised. Instead of flowing down the roof, into the gutter system and onto the ground, huge amounts of water stays atop longer and can potentially soak through the starter shingles on your roof. Along with regular cleaning, gutter covers can help keep everything working smoothly by preventing debris from entering your roofing system in the first place.
Unexpected Holes
Holes in the roof are often unnoticed until it’s too late – it could be a missing shingle which was ripped off during a storm, damage in part of a ridge gap, or perhaps an accidental hole left in the roof after removing an antenna or other installation. After serious weather-related events or whenever any kind of contractor is on the roof, make sure to check the integrity of your roof afterward.
Extreme Moisture Buildup
Moisture can accumulate on and around roofs for a large variety of reasons. A couple examples would be improper roofing material for the area, improper installation, improper water drainage, or improperly sealed roof venting. Again, these things often go unnoticed or unaddressed until leaks appear and by that time it’s often the case that substantial damage has already been done.
Contact Us Today
A huge theme when it comes to a roof leak, or roof leaks in general, is going to revolve around proper maintenance and not necessarily in terms of replacing anything. It’s more about regularly checking on the roof and keeping it in good working order. However, if your roof is in need of major repairs or replacement this fall, our team at O’LYN Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (877) 289-6596 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!