It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare: Water dripping from the ceiling and no idea what’s causing it. If you have a roof leak, it’s important to pinpoint the cause quickly to avoid damage to the rest of your home.
Below, we discuss a few common types of roof leaks and leak detection tips. If you’re looking for new roof shingles to keep water out, consider Brava Roof Tile.
Top Causes of a Leaky Roof
Uncovering the source of a leaking roof requires a bit of detective work. You may have to climb up on the roof to find the cause. If you’re uncomfortable doing this, hire a professional to inspect the roof for you.
Broken Shingles
In a list of roofing materials that can contribute to leaks, poor-quality shingles are at the top. Shingles can prevent water intrusion and protect the structural integrity of your roof, but they don’t last forever.
Shingles turn brittle over time, which is especially problematic in hot, sunny climates. When shingles become brittle, they break, allowing water into your home.
Cracked Flashing
You normally can’t see flashing, which is the metal strips below your shingles that form a water-resistant barrier.
Roofers often use tar to seal flashing, and that tar can wear down over time, which makes cracks that could let water into your house.
Chimney Damage
Chimneys are a must for homes with fireplaces, and they add charm to your home, too. However, they’re vulnerable to the elements. The mud cap, or mortared area around the chimney, can degrade due to rain and snow.
If you spot water pooling around your fireplace, chimney damage is likely the cause of your leak. You may be able to fix the roof leak simply by patching up the damaged mortar.
Damaged Vent Booting
If you go outside and look at your roof, you’ll probably see a small pipe sticking up out of it. That’s a vent pipe, and it’s responsible for expelling unwanted moisture from your home.
Leaks commonly happen when the rubber seal around the vent pipe degrades. Roof leak repair to fix the problem involves removing the old seal with a sharp knife, sliding on a new rubber vent, and securing it with roofing nails.
Broken Skylights
Skylights are perfect for letting natural light stream into your home, but they’re quite fragile. Falling tree branches, hail, and even wildlife can easily crack a skylight, leading to roof leaks.
Skylights can also leak around the flashing, especially if your roofer didn’t install yours properly. Fortunately, it’s easy to detect the source of this leak. Simply look for water on the floor below the skylight.
Clogged Gutters
When was the last time you cleaned your gutters? If you’re drawing a blank, you could have a gutter clog so severe that it’s allowing water into your home. Plants can also grow in clogged gutters, which may cause yours to collapse under the weight.
Head outside, climb up a ladder, and take a peek inside your gutters. A few stray leaves are fine, but if your gutters are packed with debris, it’s time to start cleaning.
Condensation in Your Attic
You may not suspect your attic of causing a leak, but if you live in an area that gets cold winter weather, it’s a definite possibility. During the cooler months, warm air rises to the attic, where it can cause condensation if it cools quickly. If the condensation is excessive, it can drip through the ceiling below.
Ice Dam Buildup
Ice dams are another problem your attic can cause that results in roof leaks. When the air in your attic (and the rest of your home) is warmer than the outdoor air, it causes snow on the roof to melt. The water then freezes again at the roof’s edge. If too much ice builds up, it can cause the roof to collapse. For more information, be sure to take a look at our post, Best Roofing Materials for Snowy Climates.
Your Roof’s Age
One of the biggest causes of roof leaks is the age of your roof. The average roof lasts for about 20 to 50 years, depending on the material. Asphalt shingle roofs typically degrade faster than slate or metal roofs.
If your roof is past its expected lifespan, you might have leaks in several places around your home. In this case, roof maintenance is not enough to fix the problem. You’ll need to replace the entire roof and install new roof tiles.
Say Goodbye to Leaks With Durable Synthetic Composite Roofing From Brava Roof Tile
If you want to avoid water damage and other roofing issues that stem from roof leaks, new roof tile may be the answer. If your roof is more than 15 years old, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Brava Roof Tile’s composite roofing is not only ascetically pleasing, it is also ultra-durable, weather-resistant, and incredibly long-lasting. You can choose from top profiles such as synthetic cedar shake, slate, and Spanish barrel tile, all made from sustainable, recycled materials.
Request a sample of Brava Roof Tile and experience the difference for yourself!
