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No one wants to have to worry about a roof leak every time it rains. If it does happen, having to deal with it is not ideal and is impractical and annoying. In this article, we’ll talk about the 7 most common causes of roof leaks.

If you can’t fix these issues alone, it is best to call a professional for help with roof leak detection Brisbane.

1. A Cracked Flashing

A water-resistant barrier known as flashing is a thin metal piece that’s placed under the surface of your roof to prevent water from entering it. If it’s exposed, it will look like a long sheet of metal. If it’s broken, it will feature large cracks. The reason why a cracked or missing flashing might happen is usually due to the use of tar to seal it. This can cause it to eventually crack. After locating the source of the leak, remove the damaged section of the old flashing using a pry bar. Then, replace it with a new one using the same method. Ensure that the new piece is installed properly so it doesn’t crack and allow moisture to enter the roof.

2. Missing or Broken Shingles

Since shingles are the outer layer of a roof, it’s important to look for missing or broken pieces. You can spot these by looking for different colored patches on the roof. Heavy rains and high winds are often the culprit for missing and damaged shingles. The easiest way to fix a damaged or missing shingle is to remove it using a pry bar. Pull off the damaged shingle and replace it with a new one using multiple nails.

3. Valleys Not Sealed Properly

The two planes of a roof come together at some point. If the valleys aren’t properly sealed, the water can seep into the roof and cause damage. You can check for signs of a problem by looking for wet spots on the roof. The main reasons why a roof leak might happen are various. Some of these include not properly securing the valleys, cracking when stepped on and an accumulation of ice and rain. Although it’s not always possible to fix a leaking roof on your own, hiring a professional can help. They can install a new leak barrier and shingle overtop.

4. Vent Booting is Cracking

The vents on the roof are small pipes that are used to remove excess moisture from the interior of the house. If they get damaged, they can leave dark patches. The vents are usually sealed using a rubber boot that’s placed around the opening of the pipe. Over time, this method can break and cause the roof to decay. To remove the rubber boot, use a knife to cut through the vent’s outer surface. Then, using a pry bar, break the seal on the roof’s connecting shingles. Then, secure the new boot using a pair of nails.

5. Ice Dam Buildup

A roof’s ice dam is a ridge of ice that prevents water from draining away. Its weight can damage the entire roof and its surface. The warm air coming from the attic can cause the snow to melt, allowing water to run between the roof and the snow. Once it hits the roof’s outer edge, the ice dam can refreeze and form ice again. If the ice dam forms again, it’s important to use a roof rake to remove the snow from the roof. This tool can be used to reach the roof’s edge and remove the ice. If it’s still blocking the snow, it’s best to treat the ice dam with an ice melt product.

6. Improperly Installed Skylights

If you notice that you have a lot of water coming out of your skylight, it may be caused by a leak. However, if it’s near the top of the skylight, it could be a sign of a more serious issue. One of the most common causes of this type of leak is improper fitting and measuring of the skylight. This can lead to the insulation getting decayed and allowing water to seep into the roof. To fix a leaking skylight, remove debris from it and check for cracks in its window. If the issue is not related to the skylight, then the surrounding flashing should be replaced.

7. Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters can be a big problem for a roof. The accumulation of leaves and other debris in the gutter can cause it to become blocked, which then stops the water’s flow away from the roof. This can lead to cracks forming and allowing water to seep in. Keep your gutters clear of debris to ensure your roof doesn’t leak.

Autobiography

This article is provided by Jim Pulman, who has extensive knowledge and experience in Home Building, Construction, and Design. He writes articles in his free time and partners with content creators to share his expertise with the online community