It can be nerve racking when you see your roof leaking and stains on your ceiling. It might be time to get the bucket out and call your local roofer. There are many reasons for why your roof might start to leak. It’s important to know what they are so, you can try to prevent further water ingress in the future.
Here, we are going to go through 6 reasons why your roof might leak.
Holes in your roof
A hole in your roof could have been caused by severe weather, deterioration over time, or a tree branch that could have fallen on top of it. Even the smallest hole caused by a rusted or loose nail can cause extensive damage if left unrepaired for a long time.
Missing or damaged tiles
One of the most common reasons for a roof leak is missing or damaged tiles. This can be caused by high winds, severe weather conditions, and improper installation. Tiles can crack, dent, or lift from the wind, which can loosen their seal.
Your roof has aged
The roof’s age and wear and tear can cause diminished protection to your home over time. Old materials don’t hold up against the elements like they did when first installed. An old roof might show these signs:
- curled tiles
- rusted nails or flashing
- sagging
If you know the age of your roof when you buy your home, it can help you keep track of when it reaches its intended lifespan. Regular roof maintenance can also help prolong the life of your roof and put off repairs or replacements a little longer.
Roof pitch problems
If your roofs pitch can affect how water drains down. A high-pitched roof can direct water off too quickly so, if you don’t have the correct gutter system, it might not keep up. A low pitched would direct water off too slowly which could cause pooling, commonly seen on flat roofs.
Damaged or blocked gutters
Keeping your gutters clear of debris is a vital step in your roofing maintenance. If your gutters or downpipes are blocked, water has nowhere to go but back into your roof through the drip edge or under your tiles.
Keep an eye on your downpipes after a rainstorm, and if you don’t see any water or debris, it could be blocked. You can check out Roofing Matters Group’s page here for more information on fascia, soffits and guttering.
Damaged flashing
Flashing around the chimney, on the side of your walls or underneath your tiles is important to keep tight as water ingress can easily seep through those small areas. Over time, flashing can see a lot of abuse from wind, hail, and rain which would cause it to come loose or crack. Flashing being loose or cracked are signs to call a professional to check if there is any water ingress.
Once this happens, your roof becomes susceptible to leaks when it rains. This could cause you to replace or repair the flashing more than once. It is important to keep your home dry and free of water damage.
How to fix a leak
The best and most efficient course of action would be to contact your local roofer. Without the correct safety equipment and knowledge, you would put yourself at risk attempting to fix the leak. Watch out for these potential issues, you could prevent any leak and keep the repair bill as low as possible.
If you roof is damaged beyond repair, you can find more information here on the building regulations for a roof renewal. Or, if you have any enquiry or if you’d like you roof checked, contact Roofing Matters Group here. They will arrange Daryl, to provide you with a no obligation, free quotation.
