The Top Reasons Why Your Roof Leaks
One of the last things you want to worry about during poor weather is a leaky roof.
Your roof is vital to your home’s integrity and can prevent a number of problems from happening down the line. If you are tired of water getting into your home from above, here are the top 6 reasons why your roof leaks.
Improper Installation
The highest quality materials in the world won’t prevent your roof from leaking it wasn’t installed properly. A lot could go wrong such as improper nailing, laying down the shingles in a wrong pattern, or code violations. Your roof should always be installed by a professional to prevent leaks from happening. Professional roofing contractors will know the best standards and methods to install your roof and ensure it is leak-proof.
Low Quality Materials
The opposite is also true. A properly installed roof can still fail if the materials are low quality. This is why it’s so important to consider material costs such as shingles, sealants, and hardware carefully. Low-cost products may look tempting, but higher cost materials typically mean higher quality. This in turn will help guarantee your roof doesn’t leak for the entirety of its lifespan. Your roof is one of your home’s largest defenses in keeping nature’s harsh elements out so it’s important to invest in high quality materials.
Improper Ventilation
Having a properly installed roof with good materials isn’t enough. You should have a good ventilation system in place to keep moisture and heat from building up inside your roof. This will help prevent mildew, mold, and wood rot. Proper ventilation will also prevent the wood in your roof from expanding, which in turn will prevent cracking, structural damage, and sealant from coming apart. Proper ventilation is necessary for a long-lasting roof that doesn’t leak.
Water Buildup
Water buildup from improper drainage can cause heavy roof leaking. Check around your home and see if any branches from nearby trees are hanging above. If so, you should trim them back as far as possible. Leaf buildup on your roof and gutters can prevent water from draining away, which can lead it wearing away faster than normal and leaking more often. A faulty HVAC system could also lead to water buildup in your roof if it isn’t dispersing its condensation properly. Another sign of improper water drainage is if you see icicles hanging from your gutters in the winter time. All these sources of water buildup can eventually leak through your roof and into your home if it isn’t handled properly.
Birds, Bugs, and Other Animals
Small animals such as birds, bugs, and rodents can cause massive amounts of damage to your roof. These animals like to build their nests in your attic space to escape from nature’s harsh elements. They like to tear apart your home’s insulation which can lead to improper ventilation. Animals and bugs will also try to get into your home however they can, so small cracks can quickly become much larger and lead to heavier leaking. Infestations can also lead to structural damage and other safety hazards.
Lack of Maintenance
If you aren’t having your roof regularly maintained or inspected at least once a year, small issues can quickly become large problems. Regular inspection will prevent a magnitude of issues from occurring or getting worse. They will ensure that all of the above reasons for roof leaking are prevented or stopped. In turn, regular maintenance will help your roof last for the coming years will prevent you from needing to replace it altogether. When it comes to taking care of your roof, it’s crucial that you know the most common problems. The more that you know, the easier it will be to ensure that your roof lasts. Contact Lowcountry Roofing Repairs today at 843-258-2716 for help with your roofing repair needs.
