Everyone wants a dry and safe home.
A leaking roof can be a serious threat to this dream as it will not only damage the roof, but other parts of the house – including the foundation.
A typical homeowner may not even be aware of the problem until it’s too late because its not always obvious when a roof is actually leaking.
Though there are overlapping signs of damage, it does not necessarily mean that they can indicate the exact nature of the problem.
Specific, proactive measures need to be taken to manage this situation effectively and avoid a costly roof repair.
Why is it important to know the exact causes of a leaking roof?
It’s natural to think – can this problem be put off?
We’re all suffering due to the current cost of living, but leaving a leaking roof in the hope it might resolve itself can be catastrophic in terms of the damage it might cause.
Roofing contractors are well-versed in handling the damage, implementing cutting edge technology to locate and repair the damage.
But this does not necessarily mean it’s a good idea to ignore your roof until water is actually leaking inside the house! Regular inspections are proactive measures that will help prevent roof leaks from occurring in the first place.
Most roof leaks start small, later escalating into more significant problems.
1. Broken or Missing Shingles
Shingles (the individual roof tiles) are the top roof covering that is consistently exposed to external conditions such as harsh weather. These shingles can be either individual tiles or larger blocks depending on the roof type. When the shingles are broken or damaged, it can allow water beneath the roof (particularly if the waterproof membrane beneath is damaged or non-existent), paving the way for the a costly tile roof repair.
2. Clogged or Deteriorated Gutters
The gutter is often the most underestimated yet essential part of the roof and yet something we’re all guilty of neglecting when it comes to keeping them free of debris. Dirt that collects on the roof is washed into the gutters, along with leaves and other sediment, clogging the drainpipe completely. You’ll commonly notice water spilling down the side of your house in a waterfall type fashion, indicating a blocked gutter. Age and constant exposure to the weather can also lead to cracking and deterioration, allowing water into the house and foundation and causing signifigant problems.
We strongly suggest you keep your gutters clean – perhaps examining them every 3-6 months, and if the overall state of the gutters is poor and cracks are visible, give us a call.
3. Flashing Issues
Flashing is used to protect the vulnerable areas of the roof. When the flashing breaks, it can cause leaks, allowing water to make it past the roof and into your home. It’s highly recomended that part of regular roof inspections, your flashing is checked to ensure it’s in a proper condition to prevent these complications.
4. Existing Roof Installation Problems
While most roof issues tend to occur with age or large external factors such as high wind and storms, if you’re experiencing issues with a new roof within the first few years of installation, it may be due to poor installation. If you have doubts, it’s always possible to get a second opinion to check the roof structure was installed correctly.
5. Older Roofs
Another element to consider is the age of the roof itself. As the roof structure ages over time, it becomes weaker and prone to damage. This can be resolved by periodic inspections, repairing and damaging any smaller, damaged regions and saving you considerable money in the long term. Regular inspections and spot roof repairs can also restore much of the original durability of the roof.
6. Water Damage to the Roof
Unsurprisingly, water is one of the primary reasons for roof damage. When water stagnates and pools on the roof, it can lead to various complications. When the roof frame retains moisture, it can cause growth of mould and mildew. This will cause the roof to lose much of its durability, reducing overall stability.
7. Poor or Non-Existent Roof Maintenance
Just like when a car isn’t regularly serviced, a roof which is not maintained can lead to damage and roof leaks. It is imperative to professionally evaluate the roof on a regular basis to ensure the condition is ok. Most expensive repairs can be negated by simply identifying them in advance through regular roof inspections and maintenance.
How can I minimise the risk of a leaking roof?
One commonly asked question is whether you can undertake measures to prevent roof damage yourself.
While there are some minor things that can be done, it’s highly recommended to have your roof inspected by professionals on a regular basis.
Clean the gutters and roof regularly.
It cannot be understated the damage that can occur from gutters which are allowed to be full of leaves. The excess water can go directly into your house foundation, whilst the leaves themselves allow water to pool and deteriorate the guttering.
It’s also important to remove any debris such as leaves and branches from the roof itself (safely!) which has a similar impact.
If you need your gutters inspected and cleaned, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Schedule a regular roof inspection.
By scheduling a regular roof inspection (at least once or twice per year), you’ll catch any damage well in advance. A thorough inspection will check for deterioration or damage above and below the tiles, ensuring there’s nothing building up which will cost you down the track.
Address minor issues immediately
If you notice any issues such as water leaking from the roof, it’s imperative to address it immediately. When people procrastinate this decision, it can lead to various, often very expensive complications.
Be prepared for emergencies.
Leaking roofs can happen at any time – particularly during storms or bad weather. In fact, we’re often innundated with calls during storms but from experience, recognise that much of this damage could have been negated had the roofs been inspected prior. But bad weather causing roof damage is just a fact of life and if you need emergency roof repairs, we’ll come to you 24/7.
