Having a leak in your roof can be a serious problem since water is known for causing extreme damage. Water will seep into the walls and ceilings of rooms, hurting your home’s structural integrity and causing cosmetic issues like discoloration. Of course, any time there is a leak, you also run the risk of mold developing, putting the health of your entire family at risk. To minimize the damage caused by a leaky roof, you should try to figure out the cause of the leak as soon as possible so you can get to the root of the problem. An experienced roofer should be able to diagnose and repair the issue, but you can get a head start by being aware of some common causes for leaky roofs.

What Is The Age Of Your Roof

While roofs regularly last several decades or more depending on the material used, they do eventually deteriorate and begin to show signs of age. Asphalt shingles, in particular, will begin to weaken with age and any material will at some point. As the temperatures change, the roof’s materials will expand and contract, leading to cracks. Additionally, the direct sunlight can weaken certain types of roofing, such as tar holding together composition shingles. If your leak is due to an old roof, then your best choice is to bite the bullet and replace the entire structure. It is best to get the roof inspected by an respected roofer in San Antonio.

Problems With Your Brick Chimney

If you have a brick chimney on your property and the roof’s leaking comes from this area, then take a closer look at the chimney. The structure itself can last for decades or even a hundred years or more. Unfortunately, only the bricks can stand the test of time, not the mortar holding them together. Over time, the mortar will crumble from exposure to elements, leading to potential leaks. You can typically resolve this issue easily with patches or by replacing the mortar.

Clogged Gutters

Every homeowner knows that you need to clean off your gutters regularly, but you may or may not realize that not doing so can cause a leak. If gutters are blocked, they cannot bring water off your roof and away from your foundation. Instead, the water will start to pool on the roof, weakening the structure and probably leaking through. Avoid this by regularly cleaning your gutters or having a professional do it for you.

Holes In The Roof

It should not come as a surprise that if you have a hole in your roof, you will have a leak. While this connection is obvious, the holes causing the leak are not always so obvious. In fact, you may not notice a small hole for years unless you have a detailed inspection done or it causes a leak. Holes are usually from storm damage or some sort of damage caused by a wild animal. You can typically fix these effectively with a little bit of flashing underneath the shingle.

Complex Architecture

While homes with complex roof architecture look gorgeous, they are a nightmare in terms of maintenance and potential leaks. If everything is done correctly and you take care of maintenance, even the most complex roof should be fine. If, however, a single portion does not have the proper seal or a leak barrier, you will find yourself with multiple potential spots for leaks to originate.

Source:

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/ten-common-reasons-roof-leaks-84644.html