When you notice a roof leak, it can be hard to pinpoint the exact area of the roof where the leak is occurring. There are so many different factors that could contribute to your roof leak, such as the age of your roof and the quality level of the roof installation. Regardless, here are four of the most frequent reasons your roof will leak:
- Rotted Fascia Board
Fascia board is the part of your roof that covers the eaves and is located above your gutter system. When debris builds up in the gutter, it can cause the fascia board to rot. This is because it stays wet all the time. When your fascia board is leaking, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Otherwise, the rot and mold can spread resulting in much larger problems. Eventually, it could lead to structural problems with the roof. If left untreated, you’ll need a new roof.
- Deteriorated Shingles
Most roofs are expected to last about 30 years, but that’s only when it is taken care of properly. You need to keep an eye out for granules in your rain gutters, as this is one of the first signs of shingle deterioration. When you leave failing shingles on your roof, you are just asking for trouble. As the shingles deteriorate more and more, it is more likely that moisture is going to seep through and into your attic. This will result in damage to the roof decking, and eventually, the interior of your home.
- Clogged Gutters
In cold climates, a clogged gutter can contribute to the formation of ice dams on the roof and gutters. Ice dams will not allow rain and melting snow to fall off your roof. Eventually, this will lead to major leaks that will seep into the home from the water building up on the roof and under the shingles. Plus, when water just sits in the clogged gutters, it is sitting right against the edge of your roof. It will eventually penetrate your roof resulting in significant roof damage.
- Deteriorated Pipe Boots
A pipe boot is a piece of roofing flashing that is designed to snugly fit over your vent pipes. Shingles cover most of the flashing, but some of it is visible. If the pipe boot begins to crack and deteriorate, which could be from extended exposure to the sun or extreme weather, it will create an area for moisture to seep into the roof, resulting in leaks and water damage to the roof and the interior of your home.
The best thing you can do to avoid unnecessary roof leaks is to have a professional roofer inspect your roof. When a problem is detected, it’s important to take care of it immediately instead of putting it off. The longer you put things off, the worse the problem will get.