If you’ve ever spent a rainy day chasing water drips from a leaky ceiling, then you know just how bad roofing leaks can get. Unfortunately, leaks are one type of roof damage that you usually don’t know about until water starts seeping into your home. Spotting roof leaks early on is a matter of preparation and a little bit of luck.
Nevertheless, being aware of a few of the most common causes of leaks can often help turn the tides in your favor.
Flashing Problems
Roof flashing is a metal strip typically made from galvanized steel. You’ll find these strips installed on the edges of your shingles or around roofing fixtures such as dormers and chimneys to make them more waterproof. When properly maintained, flashing protects the roof’s most vulnerable areas from rainwater and other moisture.
Your roofing contractor will seal flashings with tar when laying the roof. Over time, however, this tar seal can wear out. When this happens, water gradually seeps in through corners and edges, penetrating the main roof structure and leaking into your home. To avoid this problem, regular inspections are needed to help re-seal worn out tar on the flashing. Otherwise, you’re looking at fixing a bigger problem than the one with which you started out.
Cracked, Damaged and Missing Shingles
The main culprit for cracked or missing shingles is the weather. While your roof is designed to withstand much of nature’s wrath, it can only handle so much before individual shingles begin to show visible damage. Damaged shingles are notorious for allowing rainwater to penetrate the roof, causing those inconvenient leaks.
To address this issue, replace or repair shingles that are visibly worn out or damaged. This is best done by specialists from a professional roofing company like Spicer Bros. Construction, Inc. Working on your roof can pose serious risks for anybody, which is why we highly recommend getting the help of professionals.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters can get clogged by fallen leaves, dirt and other debris. Blocked gutters are often the cause of not only leaks but a number of other roofing problems as well. Regularly clearing out your gutters or making use of professional gutter cleaning services will help resolve any leaks caused by improper gutter maintenance.
Our experts at Spicer Bros. Construction are ready to help you with all your roofing needs. Call us today at (410) 546-1190 for Salisbury, or (302) 703-6754 for Delaware. You can also use our online contact form to set up a free consultation. We serve areas in and around Lewes, DE, including Denton, MD.
