What's Causing Your Roof Leak?

Finding water stains on your ceiling can be stress-inducing. While you know there’s a leak coming from somewhere, you might be hesitant to investigate further. After all, finding out there’s widespread water damage isn’t any homeowner’s idea of fun.

Unfortunately, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. You need to have your roof leak fixed before it worsens, or you might find yourself needing to have the entire roof replaced.

The first step to resolving your roof situation is diagnosing the problem. Here are the most common explanations for a roof leak.  

Damaged or missing shingles – Since shingles are the outermost layer of the roof, they are exposed to weather disturbances and the first area to get damaged. You can easily spot a damaged or missing shingle when you see a differently-colored patch on the roof.

Damaged vents, skylights, or chimneys – If any of these roofing accessories aren’t installed properly, they may leave gaps in between that can lead to water damage. In this case, you’ll need to call for a professional roof repair. Edmonton homeowners have come to depend on Weatherproof Roofing for their roofing problems.        

Clogged gutters – When gutters get clogged by leaves and other debris, rainwater has the tendency to pool in one specific area and seep into the house. You can tell your gutters are clogged if you can’t hear water trickling down your downspouts during a storm.    

Weather – Strong winds, heavy rains, and prolonged periods of intense cold and heat can damage the roof. This is why in the aftermath of a storm, the first thing you should do is to inspect your roof for damages and leaks.   

Neglect – Ignoring roof maintenance can lead to disastrous consequences. Failure to have your roof inspected and serviced for long periods of time will lead to weak points, water leaks, and eventually, a need for a full replacement. 

Old age – An asphalt roof typically lasts for 25 years, but some will last shorter or longer depending on the quality of roofing materials installed. Once your roof has reached the end of its life, it will start to deteriorate, allowing water to enter. 

Ice damming – An ice dam is an accumulation of ice at the edge of the roof which prevents snow from running off. This then allows water to back up behind the dam, creating damage inside the home. Ice dams are caused by an interplay of several factors, including heat loss from a home and snow cover. 

Insufficient insulation – When a home is insufficiently insulated, heat will escape through the roof. This can lead to the ice damming scenario described above, in which melting snow will back up into the home when it has no place to go.

If you spot a leak, be sure to call Weatherproof Roofing at 780 394 5744 for quick, hassle-free, and cost-effective services.