For homeowners, roof leaks are extremely frustrating. On a day-to-day basis, the worst part of leaks is trying to cover water damage on your ceilings and, if it’s raining, having to catch drips in buckets or pans. As annoying as living with a leaky roof can be at times, you should focus more on the unseen structural damage than the interior cosmetic issues. When water is allowed to seep through your home’s roof for an extended period of time, it can cause a wide array of problems, such as mold growth, dry rot formation, and even disintegration of wood studs and beams. The worst-case scenario is that your house will ultimately require serious renovations to be liveable.
If you have leaks and haven’t yet had fixed, there’s no time like the present to do so. Before you start calling contractors, you should spend some time determining what the most likely cause of your leaky roof is. This will make it easier for you to have conversations with the professionals you’re thinking about hiring. As you read this guide, you will discover three common causes of roof leaks.
- Old or broken pipe flanges – Most homes have exterior pipes of some kind. Typically, these pipes are attached to the roof with a device called a pipe flanges. While pipes themselves are generally crafted from durable PVC or coated metal, flanges are manufactured using rubber. As time passes, UV rays, strong winds, and various types of precipitation can cause rubber to crack and break. This allows water to flow directly into your home, potentially causing severe damage.
- Faulty flashing – Flashing is a waterproof layer that professional installers should always place at the point where roofing materials meet exterior walls. Flashing can be made from a number of materials, including rubber and metal. As long as this product is installed correctly, the material itself isn’t of great importance. There are several things that can go awry with flashing and ultimately lead to leaks in your home. One of the most prevalent is incorrect installation. Damage from high winds, especially in the coastal regions of the Carolinas, is another common cause.
- Damaged shingles – When shingles become loose and, in some cases, fall off entirely, your roof is left susceptible to all sorts of water damage. Over time, moisture issues on your roof can impact the bones of your home as well. If you can see spots where shingles are missing, you should contact a reputable North Carolina or South Carolina roofer right away. If you haven’t noticed any problems, but your area has recently been through at least one bad storm, it’s a good idea to have an expert inspect your roof.
At Hatch Homes, our team knows roofing. We enjoy doing all sorts of roof jobs, from minor repairs to total replacements. Whether you are ready to get started now or you have questions about your roofing project, we are here to help. Give our office a call to schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience. We look forward to working with you!