Roof leaks can cause significant damage to your home. They can lead to mold, rotted framing and sheathing, destroyed insulation, and even damaged ceilings.

However, these problems can be minimized if you know what to look for. This article will help you to identify and fix five common causes of roof leaks.

Deteriorated Flashing

Flashing is a protective layer of metal installed around penetrations on your roof to prevent rainwater from entering areas where it could cause damage. This includes chimneys, vents, skylights, and other similar features.

Flashing also helps to direct runoff water away from your home’s foundation, which can help prevent flooding and leaks. If your flashing deteriorates, it might need to be repaired or replaced to protect your home and the foundation.

Identifying roof leaks that are caused by deteriorated flashing is easy. A simple two-person job can be done on your own: Send someone up to your attic and let them use a garden hose to run water over the areas that intersect with your roof, like chimneys, vents, and skylights.

Missing Or Damaged Shingles

Shingles are made to act as a resilient, water-resistant wall between your roof and the outside world. This keeps your home’s insulation, wood trim, and other components from absorbing water from rain, snow, and hail.

Shingles occasionally sustain damage and lose the granules that comprise the protective coating. In this circumstance, many things could go wrong.

A shingle that is missing or broken needs to be replaced. It must be fixed because it no longer adequately safeguards your property.

If you notice a few shingles are missing, it is essential to determine the cause of their absence. For example, if it is wind damage, you can replace them yourself or with help from your insurance company. You should hire a roofing professional to address the issue if it is due to a shoddy installation or hail damage. Many homeowners search for roofing companies near me in Fairfax County to ensure they get expert help quickly, as local professionals are familiar with the region’s weather patterns and common roofing issues.

Foreign Objects

A missing or misplaced shingle is one of the most common causes of roof leaks. This may be caused by improper installation, weather-related damage, or simply wear and tear over time.

Another possible source of a roof leak is a foreign object. The most common types of objects that get into a home include nails, screws, and wood shards. Homeowners often overlook them, but they can be a source of trouble. A good first step is to hire a professional to inspect your home for foreign objects. They will be able to recommend the best way to dispose of them.

Damaged Gutters

Gutters play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of your home and offer vital protection against storm damage. Rain and snow can seep into your house’s foundation without proper protection and cause rot and mold.

Your gutters may sag and begin to leak if they are filled with trash and leaves. The brackets holding your gutters to the house may also become loose due to the weight of the accumulated material.

Over time, this can lead to significant water damage to your home’s walls and foundation. If you need clarification, inspect your roof and gutters professionally to identify any issues that require attention.

Damaged Flashing

Flashing is a crucial component in protecting your roof from water damage. It is designed to protect crevices and joints on your roof by preventing water from entering those areas.

If your flashing is rusted, corroded, ripped off, or bent, it’s time for roof repair or replacement. It’s also possible that the sealant that keeps it waterproof has failed or weakened over time.

To avoid this issue, make it a habit to check your flashing regularly. You can do so by taking detailed pictures each year and then comparing them to recent photos to spot changes in the flashing.