Why is My Roof Leaking? 3 Common Roof Leak Causes
Waking up to water stained ceilings is NO way to start the day. Unfortunately, with the annually harsh storm season we experience throughout the Texas Mid-Coast upon us, some of us will inevitably confront a roof leak. In order to help you stress less, we’ve put together a list of 3 common roof leak causes to help you better understand and identify issues with your roof.
1. The Age of Your Roof
Over the years, your roof takes a beating from the elements. It's exposed to many environmental factors—such as wind, sun, hail, and rain—that undoubtedly wear away at its ability to protect you from roof leaks and damages. These roof leaks can be disastrous for the integrity of your home, which is why you should pinpoint the exact cause as quickly as possible. Chances are you may have an asphalt shingle roof, seeing as they're the most popular residential roofing system. An asphalt roofing system's lifespan is, on average, 20 years long. If your roofing system is made with asphalt shingles AND happens to be about 20 years old or more, odds are that the roof simply needs to be replaced.
2. Improper Flashing
Flashing is a material used to give watertight seals to any protruding objects on your roof, such as chimneys or vents. The main purpose of flashing is to prevent any possible exposure to moisture. As with your roof, mother nature and father time can each cause flashing to lose its seal and allow water to leak into your home. Flashing repairs can typically be done quickly and for a low cost.
3. Damaged/Loose Shingles
Shingles act as a protective armor that keeps harsh weather from damaging the roof of your home. Once even the smallest area of defense is broken, water can freely leak inside. Roofing shingles will loosen, crack, and wear away over time. Inspect your roof for loose or lifted shingles at least once a year. For a safe and effective alternative, give Mid-Coast Services a call for a no-cost drone roof inspection.
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