Top Causes of Roof Leaks in Your Home

Whether they’re the size of a small waterfall or a slight drizzle, roof leaks can do a lot of damage, from creating breeding grounds for mold and mildew to compromising the structural integrity of your home. Roof leaks are far more than slight inconveniences; they’re serious health and safety concerns. As such, it’s important to prevent them at all costs. One of the best ways to prevent roof leaks from occurring is to know what causes them in the first place. That way, you can take measures to effectively minimize potential roof leak risk factors in your home. Below, we have listed some of the top causes of roof leaks in your home to help you out.

Damaged Flashing or Shingles

Damaged flashing or shingles causes many roof leaks. Damage to flashing or shingles is often the result of weather-related incidents such as high winds and heavy rainfall, so you often can’t avoid it. However, you can make an effort to identify any issues as soon as possible and repair them immediately. Regularly inspecting your roof will allow you to recognize and address any cracked or otherwise damaged shingles or flashing before such issues result in a leak.

Clogged Gutters

Another one of the top causes of roof leaks in your home is clogged gutters. If you don’t regularly clean your gutters, they can fill with debris such as fallen leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other items. As a result, the gutters won’t be able to serve their purpose of effectively directing rainwater away from your home. Instead, the water will accumulate in the gutters and eventually spill over onto your roof, which will make leaks more likely. To decrease your home’s potential of experiencing a leak, clean your gutters on a regular basis—especially during autumn, when leaves fall more rapidly.

Poor Attic Insulation

If you live in a colder environment, a leading cause of roof leaks is poor attic insulation. If the insulation in your attic isn’t effective, warm air will escape the attic through the roof. When there’s snow or ice on the roof, the warm air will cause it to melt and slide down the roof before it refreezes at the edge, where it’s colder. Over time, a ledge known as an ice dam will form, which will make it hard for water to slide off the roof. As a result, melted water will start to pool in the middle of the roof, and it may eventually start to leak into the home. The pooled water may also cause more significant damage, as the added weight and pressure can potentially cause the roof to cave in.