A leaking roof can be a serious problem. Unfortunately, it’s also a fairly common issue for many homeowners in Columbus. If your roof is damaged, you’ll want to do some research before deciding to repair or replace it, but once water has seeped in, you’ll likely need replacement.
The Top Ten Causes of Leaking Roofs
A leaking roof is usually caused by damage or degradation of materials, but there are other reasons your home may experience seepage. The top ten most common culprits behind a leaking roof are:
Hail damage
Columbus has seen more than 20 instances of on-the-ground hail in the past 12 months. These chunks of ice can tear through a variety of different roofing materials and components, from shingles to flashing and everything in-between. You should carefully check your roof any time it hails.
Cracked flashing
Flashing is a crucial roof material for keeping wind and water out. It joins together roof sections for a seal that’s impervious to the weather. Old age and damage can also compromise your flashing and make it easy for water to seep.
Improperly sealed flashing
When it comes to roofing, you need a professional touch. When flashing is installed by amateur workers, it is often caulked instead of being sealed properly. Whether it’s damaged or improperly installed, compromised flashing will lead to leaking roofs.
Damaged shingles
Your shingles are the first line of defense against wind and water. If they’re too old or have been broken by hail, strong winds, and so forth, your roof is very likely going to begin leaking.
Cracked or split vent booting
Your vents are surrounded by flexible rubber boots. They seal out the elements but also shrink and expand along with your roof. Over time or under poor conditions, these boots can deteriorate and let water in the home.
Ice on the roof
When ice builds up along the edges of your home, you could be in trouble. The expanding action of freezing can push the roof apart or even tear shingles loose. This is a common cause for roof leak repair in Columbus, Ohio.
Improperly fitted skylights
Having skylights in your home can bring in a ton of beautiful natural light. Unfortunately, they can also cause leaking if they’re not fitted exactly. Always rely on professionals for this kind of installation to minimize the chance of a poor fit.
Obstructed gutters
Functional gutters are crucial for keeping the water off your roof and away from your home. Leaves and other debris can cause problems quickly if the gutters are no longer redirecting water. In addition to roof leaks, blocked gutters can cause expensive damage to other areas of your home, especially the foundation.
Broken chimneys
Although fireplaces are more common than ever, chimneys are not. Fewer homes need them since most modern setups are powered by propane. Unfortunately, this makes it more likely that existing chimneys will fail since they tend to be several decades old. When a chimney cracks, it can cause leakage around the whole vicinity.
Damaged roof shingles
Shingles aren’t the only roof covering that will leak when damaged. Some shingles can be blown off during high winds and storms. When this occurs, water can seep down between the layers and wreak havoc.
Repair or Replace? Making the Right Decision
Even though Able Roof makes the process as efficient as possible, making roof decisions is still a big deal. It may be tempting to settle on a roof repair, but when there’s water damage, it could compromise the integrity of the rest of the roof – but the leak may be a symptom of bigger issues, too. Consider the age of your roof, for instance. If it is leaking, it may mean it is aged beyond proper use. Most shingle roofs, for example, are made to last 10-40 years depending on the quality. If your roof is leaking because of an improper installation, it’s likely there are issues beyond the one currently leaking.
If you aren’t sure, ask us. At Able Roof we can assess the condition of your home’s roof and offer professional guidance.
Find Local Columbus Roofers with Experience
Whether you’re looking for a whole new setup or a roof leak repair in Columbus, Ohio, you’re looking for the experienced team at Able Roof. With free estimates and the same day guarantee on most projects, we’re the nation’s preferred roofer for a reason.
