When your roof springs a leak, it can be disastrous. The roof is one of the most essential parts of our homes, keeping us safe and dry from the elements. With Alberta’s unpredictable weather, roof repair is a necessary part of living here, and when your roof leaks, it can cause water damage inside your home. Finding the cause of a leaky roof can help speed up roof repair in Calgary. Here are eight common causes of roof leaks.
The Danger of Roof Leaks
Ignoring a roof leak can wreak havoc on the rest of your roof. It’s particularly dangerous because it can compromise the integrity of your roofing materials, leading to roof replacement sooner than expected. A roof leak can cause water damage inside your home if extensive enough. In the winter, a leaky roof can result in an ice dam forming.
8 Most Common Causes of Residential Roof Leaks
Determining the cause of a leaky roof can speed up residential roof repair and may help prevent future leaks.
Loose or Missing Shingles
Shingles are a standard part of residential roofs in Alberta, but even the best quality weather-resistant shingles can become damaged from hail, wind, or snow over time. During our rainy season, Alberta accounts for more than half of all hail damage in Canada. Where shingles are loose or missing, water can seep in, impacting the surrounding roof materials. After severe weather, inspecting your roof safely ensures all the shingles are intact.
Damaged Flashing
The metal strip installed around roofing materials between chimneys and walls is called flashing. It seals the roofing materials between other elements to prevent water from seeping into the roof. Water can leak through those areas if it’s not correctly installed or it sustains damage. Routinely inspecting your roof can help prevent an unnoticeable slow leak from doing significant damage over time.
Clogged Gutters
When you fail to clean your gutters, which become clogged with leaves, ice, and other debris, there is a blockage, so rainwater can’t drain properly. When water can’t drain during a rain storm or when the snow starts to melt, it can build up on your roof, causing damage. Gutter inspections during the changing seasons are crucial for a homeowner. Especially in the fall before winter, when many leaves fall, gutters can become clogged quickly. If you have many big trees on your property, installing a leaf guard can help prevent clogged gutters.
Roof Valleys are Improperly Sealed
Roof valleys channel water from one side of the roof to the other. When valleys become clogged or damaged, water can pool, causing leaks or further damage. Valleys should be kept clear and in good condition and included in routine roof maintenance, especially before winter.
Ice Dam
When snow and ice build up along the edge of your roof, it’s called an ice dam. Like clogged gutters, an ice dam prevents water from draining off your roof. Ice dams are a common problem in older homes with poor attic ventilation. Poor or inadequate insulation may cause heat to rise through the roof, melting snow and refreezing when it reaches the cold edges.
Damaged Chimney
Chimneys can be the culprit of a leaky roof if they become damaged or cracked. Water can seep through improper sealing, damage to the chimney mortar, or wear and tear.
Roof Vents
Roof vents pull moisture out of your home, and they’re little pipes that protrude from the roof. The seals around them can become worn out, allowing water to leak. It’s essential to have proper roof ventilation during Alberta’s ever-changing weather.
Worn Window and Skylight Seals
If you have a skylight or have windows on your roof, ensuring they are adequately sealed is key to preventing leaks. Like the other roofing elements, anything that is not properly sealed can result in a leaking roof, potentially resulting in water damage inside your home.
Leaky Roof Repair from Optik Roofing
A leaky roof can start as a minor issue, but over time, it can cause significant damage to your home. When you notice damage to your roof or a small leak, you must call a professional specializing in residential roof repair.
Optik Roofing is a locally owned and operated Calgary roofing company that can help take care of your leaky roof before you need a full roof replacement. Maintaining your home shouldn’t break the bank, and we offer dependable service, a 2-year warranty on workmanship for peace of mind, and an experienced team who can help take care of your leaky roof. If you need roof repair in Calgary, trust the professionals at Optik Roofing.