5 Common Places Where Roofing Leaks Could Develop

A leaky roof can be any homeowner’s worst nightmare: leaks lead to moisture, which can cause staining, mold growth, pest infestations, and a number of other costly headaches. Tending to a leak as soon as it starts can help prevent damage, but it may be difficult to locate the exact source. 

While there are ways to look for the leak from inside the attic, climbing on a roof can be dangerous work, and you may wish to consult a professional. The experts at Berg Home Improvements will perform a thorough, unbiased inspection of your roof so you can rest easy knowing that the problem will be quickly and effectively solved.

Common Sources of Roof Leaks

When looking for the source of a roof leak, you might start by searching inside the attic and looking for water stains or damaged insulation. To help pin down the source, you might aim a garden house at the roof to artificially create rain and get a better idea of where water is actually coming in. There are a handful of common places that roofing leaks can develop:

Flashing: Flashing is the metal that covers various connections to the roof, like chimneys and skylights. Cracks or holes can develop in the metal over time, or sometimes the flashing will start to come away from the roof itself.

Missing or Damaged Shingles: If your roof is missing shingles, water may be able to seep in. 

Valleys: If your roof is made up of multiple pieces, the different slopes will connect in pieces called valleys. Valleys can incur damage from harsh weather, such as snow or ice buildup.

Blocked Drains: Debris can build up, blocking drains and eventually leading to water damage. 

Vents: Similar to when flashing comes loose, a misaligned roof vent can cause a leak.

Why Is a Leak Problematic?

If you have ever experienced a roof leak before, you know that it can come with a number of unexpected hazards. The first signs you might see of a roof leak is water damage inside the home, like stained ceilings or damaged insulation in the attic. Truly severe water damage can cause structural damage visible as sagging. 

Inside the home, water damage can cause all sorts of unpleasant surprises. Mold growth and rot are some of the symptoms you might think of first, but many pests (cockroaches, mice, etc.) will also make a home in a damp attic. To avoid these sorts of damages, you’ll want to stop the leak as soon as possible.

Scheduling a Professional Roof Inspection

A leaky roof can be a big problem for the inside of your home, and it’s important to address the problem as quickly as possible. If your roof is leaking and you aren’t sure of the source, a professional can help you get to the bottom of things. Contact Berg Home Improvements today to learn more about our services or schedule a roof inspection.