The Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Roof leaks cause water to infiltrate your home’s structure, leading to mold growth, weakened structural integrity, and electrical hazards. Moreover, leaks can compromise insulation, resulting in increased energy consumption. Read this blog to explore the various causes of roof leaks.

Broken Seams

Broken seams can contribute to roof leaks since they can introduce weakness in your roofing system. Roofs, regardless of whether they are fully adhered or mechanically fastened, rely on multiple sheets that overlap and join to form a watertight barrier.

However, the seams created during this process can become potential weak points. Over time, various factors, such as aging, temperature fluctuations, and environmental stresses, can cause these seams to deteriorate.

If the seams lack adequate sealing or if the roofing materials experience delamination, water can seep through the gaps and infiltrate the roof’s structure. This can lead to leaks and water damage within the building. The solution is to ensure proper installation, regular inspections, and prompt repairs of any damaged seams to maintain the integrity of the roofing system and prevent leaks.

Aged Materials 

As roofs age, the materials used in roofing systems, such as shingles or tiles, can deteriorate and reach the end of their life expectancy. Even well-maintained roofs can develop leaks due to the effects of aging. 

Exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations, can weaken the roofing materials, causing cracks, gaps, or components to loosen. Additionally, the constant expansion and contraction of the roof due to temperature changes can contribute to the formation of gaps and other vulnerabilities.

Pipe Boot Failure

Roof flashing is a protective material installed around pipes and vents to prevent water infiltration. One common type of flashing used for pipes is a pipe boot, which comes in various forms, such as plastic, metal, or rubber. However, these boots can degrade over time due to exposure to the elements, causing them to crack or become loose. This deterioration compromises their waterproofing capabilities.

When a pipe boot fails, water can seep through the gaps or cracks and infiltrate the roof’s structure. Over time, this water intrusion can lead to damage and leaks within the house. The leaks may manifest in different areas, such as the master bedroom, bathroom, or closet, depending on the location of the compromised pipe boot.

A roofing expert should periodically inspect and replace worn-out pipe boots, as the boots do not last the entire lifespan of a roof.

Improperly Sealed Valleys

Valleys are the areas where two planes of the roof, typically sloped, meet and are sealed together. If this sealing process doesn't happen correctly, gaps or weak points will appear and weaken the roof's defense against the elements.

During periods of excessive rain, water can find its way into these gaps or weak points. Once water penetrates the roof's structure, it can seep through the ceilings, walls, or insulation. The water seepage causes leaks and potentially damages the interior of the building. Properly sealing the valleys is crucial to prevent such leaks, as it ensures a watertight barrier and protects against the destructive effects of moisture infiltration.

Cracked Vent Booting

Vent booting refers to the small pipes that protrude from the roof and are designed to expel excess moisture from the interior of the building. When vent booting is cracked, it can lead to roof leaks as it compromises the integrity of the roof's ventilation system.

Cracked vent booting creates an opening through which water can enter the roof’s structure. This can result in leaks and water damage inside the building. One noticeable sign of a cracked vent booting is the presence of corresponding dark spots on the ceiling or walls. 

Affordable Roofing & Gutter Services can help repair any roof leaks in your home. We use top-of-the-line products and exceptional craftsmanship for all roofing jobs. Contact us now for more information.