Roof leaks are a common household repair. Many homeowners experience roof leaks due to a lack of maintenance to their roofing systems. A key part of roof maintenance is getting routine inspections. These can identify a number of defects whether hidden or obvious. If you are assuming that your roof is in good condition based on what you see on the exterior, you are putting yourself at risk for hidden leaks. These leaks can occur in areas that are rarely accessed or difficult to access such as basements, attics, and behind building materials. Unaddressed roof repairs can lead to extensive roof damages. The following points identify contributing factors to roof leaks.
Aged Materials
Your roofing materials have a lifespan. This is the manufacturer's estimated time frame that the materials will last. Their estimated lifespans are based on the premise that homeowners will get the required roof inspections, maintenance, and roof repairs performed. If your roof materials are close to the end of their lifespan, leaks are one of the first things that you might notice. Different materials have different lifespans. Changes in the appearance of some roofing materials such as asphalt shingles are a sign of aging and a roof losing its integrity. A roof with damaged roofing materials cannot provide the best defense against leaks.
Missing Roof Materials
Every portion of a roofing system is important. When there are missing portions, the system cannot function and may be prone to roof leaks. Missing shingles can allow precipitation to enter through attics. Then leaks may not be immediately evident but may start to interfere with electrical wiring and damage building materials or personal property. Perhaps one of your gutters is missing. Your gutters are necessary to drain water away from your roofing system. You need every gutter securely installed in its respective position. If not, there is a risk of improper drainage, which can soften roof materials and lead to a rotting roof.
Clogged Gutters
Just because your gutters are affixed to your home does not mean that they are serving their purpose. They need to be routinely cleaned to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up into your roof and lead to water intrusion underneath shingles. Routine gutter cleaning is your best option to prevent this cause or roof leaks. You might also want to discuss with a roofer the benefits of installing gutter guards to protect your gutters against clogs.
A roofer should always be used as a resource for leaks and other roof repairs. Quickly responding to a roof repair can prevent additional damage to property. It is dangerous for homeowners and amateurs to perform roof repairs. There are risks associated with falling or even stepping on a nail. It is also possible for only the obvious leak to be repaired while others exist.
For more information on roof repair, contact a company like C Cougill Roofing Co Inc.
