Spotting brown spots on the ceiling and wet patches on the walls can be a dreadful experience. These signs usually indicate a roof leak. And even if that sounds not so dangerous, the consequences can be devastating if left unattended.
There can be several reasons for a roof leak ranging from broken shingles, clogged gutters, and mold growth, among others. Depending on what caused it, further steps need to be taken. This guide will take you through some of the common causes of roof leaks and how to detect them like a pro.
1. Formation of ice dams
The formation of ice dams on the edges of a roof is a common cause of roof leaks. Besides your roofing system, they can also form on your gutters and prevent the proper flow of water and melting snow. When the gutters get clogged, the melting snow cannot drain off properly and start accumulating on your roof. If not removed immediately, the water may seep through your roofing system and cause roof leaks.
2. Improper Nailing
This happens when roofing nails come out of the shingles. And it can happen whether it is hand-nailed or air-nailed. Ideally, the nail should go deep into the wood and is tight and snug. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
If the nail has loosened from the shingle, there could be a small gap through which water can penetrate during heavy rain. This leak can show up anywhere inside the house. It usually results from a nail that is not properly driven into the shingle. Roof leaks are more likely to occur at that spot.
3. Blocked Gutters
First, let’s understand what a valley is. It is formed when two slopes of the roof meet in a V shape. It allows the water to flow down smoothly in the event of rain. At the end of the valley are gutters that run along the side of the roofs. They help in the proper flow of water down the roof.
Sometimes, the gutters could be clogged due to the accumulation of leaves, dust, and other debris. As a result, the water can stop flowing freely. This can lead to leakage when the water goes below the soffit. In this case, the leak is more likely to occur in the place where the gutter is located.
4. Damaged Chimneys
Chimneys can cause roof leaks due to a variety of reasons. If the chimneys are made of brick and mortar, they could get saturated due to constant rains. So, the water may keep seeping into the interiors of the home. The metal flashing that surrounds the chimney may also be damaged resulting in a leak. Or the sidings may rot out and the water may seep through it, again in the event of excess rain.
Most likely, you will notice the leaks on the walls surrounding the fireplace. If it is due to damaged chimney caps, the leak may happen inside the fireplace.
Conclusion These are some of the common causes of roof leaks and the best ways to detect them. Get in touch with a qualified roofing companies in Tampa FL like Ridge Valley Exteriors to help detect potential roof leaks and fix them immediately to avoid further damage. Give us a call at 844-741-7663 to schedule an appointment with one of our roofing experts today. We service areas in Kennesaw, GA, Raleigh, NC, Clearwater, FL, and Marco Island, FL.