Leaks in your roof are no joke. Slowly but surely, they can cause devastating effects on your house, causing mold and mildew to grow in corners that you never notice and even starting a fire if they drip or pool next to an electrical outlet. It might be hard to see where you have a hole in your roofing, but here are a few common areas that you should check regularly in order to keep unwanted water at bay.
1. Built-In Accent Pieces
Wherever there's a hole in your roof — in any form — there's a possibility for a leak. That includes chimneys and skylights: two holes in your roof that are deliberately built in to your home and yet can crack or separate from the seal over time. It can also be caused by a poor install, so even newer homes are susceptible to this type of hazard.
2. Broken Shingles
Newer roofs are built to last for a long period of time, but if your home is approaching the 20-year mark, you should probably crawl up there periodically to check for broken shingles that may have been caused by storms or decay. The real danger here is water in the cracks you can't see, behind drywall, in closets, and pooling in your attic. For that reason, if you spot holes in your attic, you might also need to call in an inspection to make sure it hasn't caused any kind of permanent damage.
3. Loose Nails
Even if the roof was installed properly, the nails might begin to back out due to the constant tension it's under over time. They can be nearly impossible to detect for the average homeowner, but part of a professional roofing services package can be identifying where you have a few loose nails. Ask your contractor about it when you call.
4. Clogged Gutters
While not directly roofing-related, a clogged gutter can stop the flow of water and cause it to pool on your house, allowing any holes that might exist to start leaking. Unclog the gutter, but if you notice the leak is originating next to it, you should also have the leak fixed as well.
5. Loose Flashing
The flashing in a roof is a piece of metal that is usually placed at the point where the roof connects to the wall. If a storm or high wind knocks it out of alignment, it can create an opening where water is able to seep in. Check the perimeter of your house every so often to ensure it's still in place.
Contact a roofing service to learn more about finding and repairing roof leaks.
