There is nothing worse than starting the rainy season with your roof leaking. But how could you have known that it was going to happen? There isn’t any way for you to know without having a roof inspection. In all reality, even if we know we should have our roof inspected most of us don’t do that regularly. So why is your roof leaking?
First things first, call a reputable professional to check things out. They will be able to assess the damage and can repair the problem promptly. This should always be your immediate go-to when your roof is leaking.
There are many reasons why your roof may be leaking. One reason may just be that your roof is 20-30 years old and has outlived its expectancy. This means that shingles could be cracked, missing, or broken. Sometimes shingles will even start to rot. When the top layer of the roofing is damaged then it will start to expose the layers underneath. When the underlayment is consistently exposed it will become weakened. The layers will start to be worn away from exposure to the elements and will start to leak. A leak in your roof doesn’t necessarily mean you need a whole new roof. Often we can repair your roof leak.
Sometimes it is extremely hard to see what is causing water to leak into your home. Even when done very well, roof nails will back out. This means that nails will slowly fall out of your roof. Unfortunately, this leaves some holes that expose your home to water. This especially happens around the edges where the shingles are exposed to a lot of wind and other strong elements. If you are not a trained roofer you are unlikely to notice such a small issue.
Flashing plays an important role in your roof’s performance. Flashing is a piece of metal that protects valleys and any spot where the roof meets a vertical surface, such as walls. It is anywhere where there is a “joint” on your roof. If your flashing is damaged then it could leave parts of your roof exposed.
There is something called a rubber “boot” that is used in roofing that is a lot like flashing. It tends to go around vents or anything else that comes up out of the roof. It protects the area where the protruding part meets the roof. If this is left exposed for a long period it can also start to crack and leave the areas vulnerable to weather entering. But luckily a rubber “boot” can be repaired.
Remember that the number one way that you can prevent all of these small issues from becoming larger ones is regular maintenance, repairs, and having your roof inspected regularly. Make sure that you get everything checked out during the warmer seasons to prevent more costly repairs once the water has penetrated your home.
If you need inspections, maintenance, repairs, or a new roof then give us a call at Valley Roofing to schedule an appointment!
