As much as we work on roofs and carry out restoration work, every so often, we find a spot that has become weak, is missing a tile or even spotted some damaged underlay under the roof.
We will carry out minor work such as replacing a missing tile or fixing a slipped tile but when it comes to serious remedial work or you do have a leak on your roof, we will always recommend hiring a roofing contractor to inspect and carry out the work.
Of course, over the years, we have found a pattern and noticed the most common causes and places that a roof leak can occur.
Here are some of the most common causes and places you will find a leak on your roof. If you are inspecting your roof, which you should, these should be the spots you check most regularly.
Like everything else in life, Roofing materials are not immune to the effects of the passage of time. Throughout the years, your roof is also subjected to the full force of nature. These two undeniable forces act together to eat away at the durability of your roof, which will lead to a greater chance of leaks forming.
Although chimney stacks are often among the most substantial parts of a house, they too are subjected to the effects of weather and time. Leaks can form in chimneys when bricks and mortar develop cracks, or the chimney crown becomes damaged.
Flashing is the metal sheeting installed in areas that are vulnerable to leaks, such as around the base of a chimney or where the roof meets a wall. If the flashing was installed incorrectly or is damaged, it could create a gap large enough for water to get through.
You may find a roof tile or shingle in your garden or on your driveway from time to time. A powerful storm usually causes this, but other factors can also loosen tiles and shingles. A roof constructed of tiles or shingles relies on each piece to keep the top watertight. If one or more of these pieces are missing, this creates a hole or a gap that allows water to seep through.
If there is a hole, or multiple holes, in your roof, it should come as no surprise that there are leaks. Spots in a shelter are about as beneficial as holes in the bottom of a bucket. If you do spot a hole in your roof, make sure to get a roofing contractor to carry out the work for you otherwise it might cause some serious long term damage.
Blocked gutters are a common and often overlooked leak-causing problem. Your house’s guttering is there to ensure that rainwater or melting snow is safely diverted away from your home. Clogs in your gutters form small dams, which allow water to build up and extend its presence on your rooftop.
Skylights can have a transformative effect on rooms in your home. They allow for better ventilation and more natural light to enter your home. However, if a skylight is installed incorrectly or substandard materials are used, it can become a dripping, leaky nightmare. Most skylight leaks are caused by poor workmanship when either the skylight or the protective flashing is not installed correctly.
For help with your roof, here is a list of roofers that provide a roofing service:
We hope this guide on spotting leaks will help you with your roof and always make sure to get a qualified roofing contractor to complete the work for you.
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