The Lifecycle of a Roof Leak

To properly understand the lifecycle of a roof leak, we first have to understand its common causes. Most homeowners give little thought to the state of their roof until it affects the interior of their home. There are several possible causes for roof leaks, but it most often begins with water innocently pooling on your roof. Here is how the cycle typically begins.

HOW A ROOF LEAK FORMS

Gutters are your roof’s first-line defense against excessive precipitation and weather. Clogs can cause run-off issues that ultimately result in leaks or cracks in your roof. Or perhaps water is sitting there thanks to a dam of debris that prevents it from ever making it to the gutters. Either way, the result of stagnant water is never good in residential terms. It leads to mosquitos, rotting, and roof leaks. If the water is near any missing, worn, or gapped shingles or poorly sealed vents, skylights, or chimneys — it will find its way in.

WHAT A ROOF LEAK CAUSES

Once the water finds somewhere to go in your home, it will continue to follow that path after each storm until action is taken. Its effects may occur slowly at first, but the issue compounds with time. More water equals larger cracks and more interior damage. Roof leaks often reveal themselves by causing damage to things stored in the attic or by leaving a water stain that begins to spread across the ceiling.

HOW A ROOF LEAK IS PREVENTED

There are several steps that can be taken to prevent roof leaks from forming in the first place, and they all require action on the homeowner’s part. The first step is to have your roof inspected every year (a free service we provide), as well as following particularly strong storms. When conducting roof inspections, our team members specifically look for any roofing penetrations that would benefit from a sealant. While we’re up there, we will clear off debris and check the health of your shingles. We will also take a look at your draining system and offer gutter clean-outs for an additional cost.

HOW A ROOF LEAK IS REPAIRED

Beyond resealing roofing penetrations, it is possible that sections of damaged shingles will need to be completely replaced. If this damage was caused by a recent storm in the area, there is the potential that your home insurance policy will cover a portion of, or all of, the repairs. It is our job to conduct these repairs in order to guarantee a healthy roof that will protect your home from all that mother nature can throw at it!