{"id":3933,"date":"2015-05-13T18:44:40","date_gmt":"2015-05-13T18:44:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gutterscincinnati.com\/staging\/?p=3933"},"modified":"2022-06-08T13:34:36","modified_gmt":"2022-06-08T13:34:36","slug":"five-common-causes-roof-leaks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gutterscincinnati.com\/staging\/five-common-causes-roof-leaks\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Common Causes of Roof Leaks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Five Common Causes of Roof Leaks<\/b><\/h1>\n

What causes roof leaks?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A leak through your roof is a tricky issue. Not all leaking roofs begin at the point of entry so you may have to do some detective work to find the cause. A roofing contractor<\/a> knows how to pinpoint the root of the problem so that repairs can be made. In addition, they are accustomed to climbing around on the roof and not causing more damage during their inspection. Either way you choose to investigate your roof\u2019s condition, it\u2019s important to know the issues you may encounter when keeping your roof free of leaks.<\/p>\n

A leak may occur for\u00a0many\u00a0reasons, but we\u2019ll discuss some of the most common causes of roof leaks. While the particular conditions a roof has to withstand will vary by geographic region, proximity to large trees, and a host of other unique factors,\u00a0 <\/span>five of the most common causes of roof leaks include wear and tear, damaged or missing shingles, the slope of your roof, broken seals, and gutter issues. Below we outline how and why these issues cause roof leaks.<\/p>\n

1. Roof Wear & Tear<\/b><\/h2>\n

Roofing materials deteriorate due to many factors so you must keep an eye on their condition.\u00a0While a storm may rip shingles off, a roof leak is more indicative of a structural problem that has been building and needs to be addressed and repaired.\u00a0The older your roof is, the less integrity it has to protect your home.<\/p>\n

Common wear and tear that can result in a leaking roof includes simple sunshine and debris falling upon or cluttering the existing roofing. The sun\u2019s rays can damage roofs\u00a0by melting the tar from shingles leading to gaps that allow water to get through. When leaves and trees brush against the shingles, it erodes their structure or could scrape the shingles right off.<\/p>\n

2. Damaged or Missing Shingles\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Can missing shingles cause a leak? Simply put, shingles are the single most important barrier\u00a0for your roof. If you see shingles on the ground, such as after a particularly strong storm has passed through, it is a good indicator that there is more damage that needs attention and could cause roof leaks. However, it takes a closer inspection to identify damaged shingles on top of your home. Sometimes, the roof will darken beneath the shingles, and at first glance you may not realize that the shingles are gone. Shingles crack and split, which cannot be seen from the ground\u00a0and\u00a0require up-close examination.<\/p>\n

3. The Slope of Your Roof\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Most roofs slope for a distinctive reason. Water runs off and doesn\u2019t damage your ceiling. Flatter roofs have materials under each shingle that lifts it up to allow the water to drain. If any part of this system breaks down, water could pool or ice-dams could form, and a leaky roof is the result. It takes a trained technician to determine whether or not the lack of slope is the reason behind the water damage on your ceiling, so don\u2019t be afraid to seek out professional guidance if you have questions about your roof.<\/p>\n

4. Broken Seals<\/b><\/h2>\n

Any place on your roof that is open to moisture could be the beginning of a roof leak. Some areas prone to leaks include:<\/p>\n