Common Causes of Home Roof Leaks

Residential roofing leaks are one of the most common reasons cited for homeowner’s insurance claims in the U.S. Whether a leak is the result of a faulty roof repair or caused by an overdue roof replacement, it can cause thousands of dollars in avoidable damage to your home.

Here at Accent Roofing, we see hundreds of roof leaks a year, from small to disastrous. We’re your local roofing contractor in Dacula, Grayson, Lawrenceville, and beyond, so we’re familiar with the most common causes of residential roofing leaks in the north Georgia area. Here are five common causes we see time and again:

1. Cracked Flashing
   Flashing is your roof’s last line of defense against the elements. Installed directly underneath the shingles and joints of your roof, metal flashing should be flat, straight, and covered by a rubberized overlayer. Over time, flashing can crack and break, leading to the need for an extensive roof repair. Prevent cracked flashing by regularly having your roof inspected by a roofing contractor in Dacula or other local area.
2. Broken Chimney/Vent Seal
   The parts of your roof that are the most difficult to protect from leaks are the areas in which objects like your chimney, your gas exhaust pipe, or even your vents protrudefrom the roof itself. Even the smallest breaches – mere millimeters – can invite water to collect and slowly enter the attic space of your home. A licensed residential roofing contractor should be able to properly seal any cracks if you notice leakage.
3. Damaged Shingles
   You may have noticed that in the Suwanee, Grayson, and Dacula areas, a vast majority roofs are topped with asphalt shingles. Although these types of roofs are cost effective and hold up well in the heat, each individual shingle is vulnerable to the elements. Over time, shingles can crack, break, or even fall off due to factors like age and even events such as a hailstorm. Improper roof replacement jobs can also leave nail holes in shingles themselves, inviting water in. If you notice missing or broken shingles, call a reputable local roofing contractor right away.
4. Pooled Valleys
   If your roof has any “valleys,” sections where two slopes meet, it probably experiences a bit of pooling. Water collects in these valleys, and when they’re improperly sealed, moisture can enter your home. A roofing contractor in your area can help by evaluating the condition of your roof and applying sealant where it’s needed most.
5. Clogged Gutters
   You may think clogged gutters are just an eyesore, but you’d be wrong! Gutters are actually a critical component of your roofing system, effectively funneling water away from your roof (and your foundation.) Clogged gutters can actually cause water to back up against your shingles and eaves, and piles of debris in your gutters can stay moist for days, encouraging mold growth. Be sure to have your gutters professionally cleaned by a roofer in Dacula or nearby at least once a year, preferably twice.

Do you suspect you have a roof leak? Don’t wait to address it; residential roofing leaks cost homeowners millions of dollars a year and can even threaten the integrity of your entire roofing system.

Call Accent Roofing for an inspection today. We’re always happy to answer your questions with no sales pressure and help you determine whether you need a simple roof repair, a whole roof replacement, or some other service.

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Source: Roofing Maintenance