Roof leak prevention is important for every homeowner, but you can’t prevent leaks if you don’t know what causes them.
Roof leaks are one of the most common roofing problems that our experts run into here at Sargeant’s Roofing, and they can cause many other problems for your roof and your home. If you want to protect your home and extend the life of your roof, roof-leak prevention is a must. However, it’s impossible to prevent something if you don’t know what causes it in the first place! In our last blog, we went over the first five of the top 10 causes of roof leaks. Keep reading to learn about the last five:
#6. Your vent booting is damaged or cracked.
Have you noticed small pipes sticking out of your roof in certain places? These are called roof vents, and they help to let excess moisture out of your home. Roof vents are sealed from moisture by flashings, as well as a tight boot made of rubber that is slipped over the area. This boot can become cracked or damaged over time, leading to leaks. To spot roof leaks caused by cracked or damaged vent booting, look for dark spots in the areas where your roof vents are located.
#7. Your skylight wasn’t installed properly.
Are you constantly having to place a bucket for dripping water under your skylight? Have you noticed wet spots around your skylight? If so, there may be an issue with how your skylight was installed. If the skylight wasn’t measured properly before installation or if the insulation along the edges of the skylight has decayed, it could lead to roof leaks. Another possible cause of roof leaks in this area is damaged roof flashings.
#8. Your attic isn’t properly ventilated.
In our last blog, we talked about how an improperly insulated attic can cause ice dams, but improper ventilation can also cause ice dams to form. All of the heat and moisture in your home needs a place to escape, which is the whole purpose of attic ventilation. If the heat has nowhere to go, it builds up inside your attic, causing the snow on your roof to melt and ice dams to form near the edges, which prevents water from leaving your roof. The moisture in your home can also start to cause damage inside your home, making it appear as if you have a roof leak when it’s really just moisture-build-up. Either way, proper attic ventilation is important.
#9. Your chimney is damaged.
Chimneys are the bane of every roofer’s existence. Not only is the chimney itself a gaping hole that can allow moisture into your home, but it’s difficult to seal chimneys properly, which is why chimneys are common places to find leaks. The most common reason for a leak near a chimney is damaged roof flashings, however, if your chimney isn’t at the peak of your roof, pooling water could also cause roof leaks unless you take precautions to prevent the problem.
#10. You walk on your roof more than necessary.
Whether you get up on your roof to put up holiday decorations, fetch a frisbee or inspect it for damage, you should avoid getting up on your roof as much as possible. Many roofing structures and materials are fragile, and you could easily crack a seal or damage a crucial element when you walk on your roof. If you must get on your roof, hire a professional. Professionals have more experience and know how to avoid damaging your roof; plus, it’s safer to hire a professional.
If you are experiencing a roof leak, don’t wait to get the roof repairs you need in Edmonton, no matter the cause. Contact us at Sargeant’s Roofing today to get started.