Many types of damage may seem minute but can lead to leaks in your home. If these problems are neglected, it can be disastrous for the structure of your home. You may want to save yourself money or avoid spending the time to fix the issue, but addressing leaks could save you money in the long run.

Here are five of the most common roof leak causes.

Broken or Missing Shingles

Brittle, aging shingles can fall off the roof, leaving your roof vulnerable when rain, snow, or hail hits. Homeowners should routinely inspect their roof and watch out for any missing shingles.

Old Age

Your asphalt shingles are made with petrochemical oils in the asphalt that allows them to expand and contract with the fluctuating weather. These oils dry out over time, causing shingles to dry, crack, curl, break, or lose their granules. These problems can lead to the shingles losing their water-shedding ability if you don’t replace, repair or rejuvenate them. With asphalt shingle roofs failing faster than ever before, this is a relatively common issue.

Clogged Gutters

It’s common for falling leaves, sticks, and other debris to get stuck in gutters. When this debris builds up, the rainwater and melting snow aren’t able to freely drain or fall away from the house, and it could lead to a leaky roof.

Cracked Flashing

Roof flashing is a thin metal material installed to direct water away from some regions of your roof, such as walls, chimneys, and roof valleys. Although flashing is used to move water away from essential parts of the roof, it can be very vulnerable to leaks when faulty. Regularly check flashing for cracks and damage, ensuring it’s properly sealed.

Condensation in Attics

Attic condensation generally happens during winter & spring months when warm, moist air from the main living area rises into the attic space. During the cooler months, warm air will drift up to the attic and could cause condensation if it cools down quickly. This condensation can cause roof leaks and even mold if ignored. 

How We Can Help

At XL Contracting, roofing is second nature. Your roof is your home’s number one line of defense against the elements, and we can ensure a roof leak is not in your future. To book a FREE roof inspection with us today, visit our website through this link!