The 5 Most Common Reasons Shingle Roofs Leak

Improper Installation

One of the most common reasons for a leaky roof is poor installation. If your roof was not installed correctly, it can lead to gaps and spaces that allow water to seep through. This can cause significant damage to your property, as water can seep into your walls and cause mold growth and other issues.

Ask your trusted roofing contractor about what type of quality management procedures they have in place to ensure proper installation. Also ask about warranties, since you’ll want to know that if a problem arises, you’ll be covered.

Patch Repair Job

A roofing system is intended to work together to create a seal of protection. When one area of the system is weak (maybe because it was installed wrong, or maybe there were some strong winds causing shingles to blow off), it’s very hard to bring that one area back up to its original level of protection. Shingles tie into one another and form bonds. 

In addition, sometimes a leak may manifest itself further down the roof. So, for example, it may appear that the leak is at your gutter line, but in fact, it’s much higher on the roof and the water is running down and pooling in a more visible location. If a roofer only fixes the visible damage, the leak will just reappear.

Storm Damage

After a windstorm, you may see shingles in your yard or missing from your roof. What you may not see are other areas of wind lift that are not visible without a physical inspection. If left unchecked, the shingles that are no longer bonded to each other will cause leaks.

The same can be said for a hail storm. Hail weakens the surface of a shingle by bruising the shingle. Over time, the granules on the shingle will slough off, weakening the entire roof. Hail damage is often hard to see from the ground, but can be very costly in the long run to not fix correctly.

Aged Shingles

As your roof ages, it becomes less protective. Seals wear down, shingles thin and become brittle, and temperature fluctuations cause cracks. An average shingle roof will last between 12-20 years, depending on shingle quality, weather conditions, and initial installation. 

If your roof is no longer an effective barrier against the elements due to age, replacement is the only option. The good news is that a quality roof is an investment and will save you money in the long run.

Punctures

This last one might be a bit obvious, since a hole is clearly going to cause a leak. If a tree falls or a squirrel or raccoon makes a nice little home in your attic, you’ll know. The problem then goes back to the small patch jobs. While it’s possible to make the repair on the one area, that roof repair has now produced a weak area on your roof, potentially shortening its lifespan.

If your roof is leaking, don’t wait for the problem to get bigger! Visible leaks need to be dealt with right away as they are signs of serious roof damage. Call Rojas Roofing in Noblesville and get a free, detailed inspection today!