Your roof is arguably one of the most important aspects of your home. Even the slightest damage to your roof can result in serious damage and can become a safety issue. This is why it is so important to maintain your roof to prevent potential issues. When completing seasonal maintenance, you may not know what to look for or potential signs of future issues. Below we outline the most common causes of roof leaks, to help you prepare for any and all situations and weather conditions. 

Some of these common causes of roof leaks can be prevented with some maintenance, while others require some roofing repair  to correct.

Damaged or Lifting Flashing

Roof flashing is thin metal that is installed around critical areas of your roof to protect your home by directing rain and other moisture away. Your flashing is usually sealed with tar, and over time the tar can loosen and the flashing can corrode. When this happens, the area your flashing is protecting becomes exposed to the harsh weather conditions, and can lead to water entering your home. In many cases, the flashing can be resealed correcting the issue. A professional roofing repair contractor can have the repair completed fairly quickly and inexpensively.

Damaged Shingles

Damaged shingles are not difficult to spot. A heavy downpour, strong winds, or impacts from fallen branches can all cause damage to your shingles. Spotting damaged shingles is normally pretty easy if you are looking at your roof from above. However, you may miss damaged shingles if you are examining your roof from the ground. Shingles are an important aspect of your roofing system as they take the brunt of all the abuse your roof takes, when shingles are damaged or missing it is a cause for major concern. A professional roofer will not only replace your damaged shingles, but they can inspect the rest of your roof and secure any other shingles that are at risk of damage. 

Water Pooling in Valleys

Valleys are the point of two meeting planes of your roof. These valleys are always sloped to ensure proper drainage. If water is trapped and able to sit in these valleys it can cause potential leaks. If you notice that water is pooling in a roof joint, you will need to contact a professional roofer to correct the issue.

Vent Leaks

There are several different types of vents that peak out from on top of your roof. To ensure that the vents are water tight, flashing and sealant are used around them. Over time, the caulk that is used to ensure a leak-proof seal with your roofing material can crack and chip creating an entry point for water to sneak in from. Periodically the sealant around your vents will need to be reapplied to ensure these areas are leak-proof.  

Clogged Gutters

Gutters help channel water collected on your roof away from your home. When a gutter becomes clogged the opposite becomes true. Debris and dirt can find their way into your gutters, and over time lead to a blockage. A clogged gutter causes the water to overflow over the side of the gutter versus run down the downspout. This water can then pool around your home, which can increase the chances for flooding and water damage. To prevent such an issue, you can clean your gutters on a regular basis or install a gutter guard to prevent debris from entering your gutters.

A leaky roof is a serious issue, that in most cases can be prevented with an annual roof inspection and some maintenance. If you are not comfortable with being able to spot potential issues or even climbing on to your roof, contact a professional contractor to take care of your roof maintenance and roofing repair. At C.A.P.O.R. Renovations, we are committed to offering you complete roof maintenance and repair solutions. We serve London, St. Thomas, Sarnia, and the surrounding areas, give us a call at 519-652-5010.