Roof Leak Troubleshooting: An Introduction

When you've got a leaking roof, it can be tough to identify the actual source of the problem. Unless it's a glaring issue, like a visible hole or obvious roof damage, you'll have to do some investigation to isolate the source in order to seek the proper repairs. If you're getting ready to trace the source of your roof leak, it's important that you have a good idea of the most common culprits. Here's a look at some of the most common areas where your roof might leak.

Shingles Or Roofing Seams

One of the biggest vulnerabilities for most roofs is the area where roofing panels meet and around roofing shingles. These seams and shingle areas are weak points, so they are more susceptible to leaks. Whether a seam isn't adequately sealed or comes loose, or a shingle has suffered damage or come loose, these things could be the reason why your roof is leaking.

Check each of the seams of your metal roofing, or inspect the shingles for any indications of failure, curling, or loosening. If you can't spot anything on your own, a roofing contractor might be able to isolate the problem.

Flashing

Every major seam on your roof, including the openings around your chimney, will be protected by flashing. The goal of flashing is to redirect water away from those openings. In most cases, flashing is nailed down flat and sealed so that your home is protected against leaks.

When the sealant fails or the flashing suffers damage, you'll find that there's water leaking into your home. Your roofing contractor will check all of the flashing to make sure that the seals are secure and the flashing is properly in place.

Wear and tear, poor installation, and storm damage can make your flashing vulnerable to water leaks, so don't overlook this when you're addressing a leaky roof.

Skylights

Skylights are a great decorative attraction and a wonderful way to allow more light into your home. Unfortunately, they can also be prone to leaks and seal issues. Often the result of improper installation, if your skylight is leaking, your local roofing contractor can reseal the skylight frame and make sure that everything is properly seated and installed.

These are some of the most common sources of roofing leaks. Talk with your local roofing contractor today for more information about roof repairs and to have your roof inspected to address the leak that's troubling you. The sooner you fix it, the more damage you can prevent.