Whether your home is new or old, roof leaks are possible for a number of reasons. Let’s face it, you don’t want to be putting buckets under water leaks every time it rains or the rooftop snow melts. That’s definitely a sign of a major roof leak problem. Though, every homeowner should be concerned about their roof before roof leaks occur. So, the following are six common reasons for roof leaks to look out for.

ICE DAMS

Ice dams are that large ridge of ice and icicles resting and hanging on the eave of your roof. Ice dams prevent snow melt from draining off, which can cause water buildup at the eaves. The ice dam can actually assist the water, which has no place to go, to force itself up and under shingles, underlayment, and the deck.

Additionally, the weight of ice dams can cause roof damage, damage to the gutters, and can cause water to wick behind exterior walls. If you have ice dams, call Aurum Contracting to remove them for you and to get at the root cause in the attic.

CRACKED FLASHING

The flashing of your roofing system are the thin sheets of metal installed as a drip edge on the eave and under shingles at joints. Flashing will also be installed at all protrusions in the roof, such as your chimney and pipes.

Flashing is a hot point for roof leaks when it rusts, becomes damaged, or develops gaps. Your roofing contractor can tell you what kind of condition the flashing is in during a FREE ROOF INSPECTION with us.

CLOGGED GUTTERS

The gutters are an important component of any roofing system. Their purpose is to convey water away from the roof’s edge, walls, and the foundation of your home. Clogged gutters or damaged gutters that don’t convey water away four to six feet from your home’s foundation are a sign of trouble.

Clogged gutters hold water at the roof’s eaves. This water can wick, soak, and seep into the roofing materials under the shingles. Once this has happened, you’re going to experience problems in the attic with moisture, mold, and mildew buildup, in addition to the problem of the roof leak itself.

CRACKED CHIMNEY

Telltale signs of chimney damage are wear and tear along the mortared area, or mud cap, around the top of the chimney. Also, look out for any holes in the mortared joints where the roof and chimney connect and cracks in the mortar around bricks. Loose flashing and shingles in the area surrounding the chimney are red flags, too.

TORN, WORN, MISSING & LOOSE SHINGLES

You can probably spot torn and missing shingles from the ground. To check for worn shingles, take a look at the downspouts. Worn shingles loose their granules and wash away in the gutters. You may see granules at the bottom of downspouts if it’s time to replace your worn out roof. Your roofing contractor should inspect your roof and would also be able to identify any loose shingles where water leaks are going to happen.

VALLEYS AREN’T SEALED

Valleys are the intersections of two different roof planes. If the valleys aren’t sealed together in the right fashion, as water runs down it can soak into the roofing system and cause a lot of damage. Damage of this kind, and other water leak areas, can be identified inside the attic by wet timber, wet insulation, mold, and mildew.

Roof leaks should be repaired right away before any further damage is caused. If you wait too late, an entire roof replacement may be in order. For a FREE ROOF INSPECTION with no obligation, contact the roofing professionals at Aurum Contracting today!