Roof Leak- Causes And Solutions
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009Just because your roof is leaking doesnt necessarily mean there is a hole in it. There can be some of the other causes of leaking roofs. Wind, snow, poor ventilation, and other culprits may cause roofs to leak.
Taking into account certain climatic conditions while planning your roofing project can definitely help you to avoid some of these situations, not to mention saving you considerable expense.
There seems to be a general consensus among experienced roofers that 95% of leaks not related to the roofing material itself, may be contributed to flashing failure. The purpose of flashing is to provide a watertight transition between roofing materials and chimneys, skylights, or vents, valleys etc. In most situations repairing or replacing the flashing will suffice. In cases where there is no apparent defect in the flashing material, and no sign of improper installation, a through-wall flashing may eliminate the leak.
Strong winds can be damaging for your roof but they can cause even more damage if water is allowed to enter inside. This can destroy the shingles and can turn a roof in good condition into a leaky one.
To minimize this problem you can bend the edges of your roof. You can also get a weather proof lining installed below the shingles for more protection.
There are several ways in which snow can cause water to penetrate a seemingly watertight roof. When heat from your home causes the snow to melt, the weight of the snow exerts pressure on the water which can force it underneath shingles and eventually through your ceiling. Another way for snow to cause damage is by forming ice dams.
Snow shield and ice shields can be installed to prevent this type of situation. Also make sure that there is proper ventilation inside the attic, otherwise this can also result in ice dams formation.
These can be some areas which can be hard to identify in case of a leak. But, it is always advisable to consult a professional roofer for any major decision related to your roofing system.