Home Improvement

5 Causes of Roof Leaks During Heavy Rain

Most homeowners only detect a leaky roof during downpours, which by then, becomes late to avoid the damages that may come with. According to a research by water damage defense, about $2.5 billion goes out from insurance companies to tackle the effects of water damage. Homeowners loss valuable properties, some unrecoverable, even with a good insurance plan. To avoid such occurrence, inspect your roof by checking for common areas in the roof where heavy downpours can infiltrate. Below are the 5 most common causes of leaky roofs during heavy rain.

  1. Cracked Flashing

Cracked flashings are a leading cause of leaks during heavy downpours as the material used in sealing flashing together (tar) corrodes with time. When this happens, the flashing is left exposed, welcoming extreme weather conditions, like heavy rain to further crack it and cause more damage. If properly maintained, flashing can work in good conditions for years, however, in the event of a cracked flashing, hire a roof contractor which shouldn’t cost more than $35 per linear foot. 

  1. Damaged/Broken Shingles

Most roof leaks can be attributed to broken shingles, which is not surprising. Shingles are an important part of every roof as it helps to protect your roof and your structure from the damaging effects of rain, wind and sunlight. Installing a sturdy roofing material doesn’t save anyone from the harmful effects of broken shingles, hence the need to focus on repairing or replacing your roof immediately. Metal roofing is a great choice as it boasts of incredible durability and sturdiness. 

  1. Cracked Vent Booting

Vent booting is another necessary measure taken to protect the roof. Roofs have vent pipes that run from the bathroom and kitchen to the roof, however, if left unprotected can suffer damage from water and flying debris. Once a vent boot is cracked or damaged, the entire structure is left exposed to extreme weather conditions, thus encouraging leaks from the roof.

  1. Poorly installed skylights

Poorly installed skylights will result in wet spots around the sides of your skylights and may cause water to drip into your home. This installation error has been identified as one of the major causes of roof leaks during heavy downpours. Roofing contractors, from experience, have advised homeowners to change their roof skylights every 12 years, especially with metal roofing.

Roofs and wear and tear are inseparable; therefore, it becomes imperative for every homeowner to invest in roof maintenance. However, every roof has its limit and when it has been reached; the next step is to execute a roof replacement, with metal roofing being the first and best choice.

Jude Thompson Oscar
Oscar Jude Thompson: Oscar, a home renovation contractor, shares DIY project guides, renovation tips, and ideas for transforming homes.