Here in drought-addled California, folks have not had to worry very much about rain coming in through leaky roofs in the last few years. But lately, we have seen a bit of a respite from the drought, and many homeowners are noticing roof leaks they did not even know they had. Whether you are already dealing with a leaky roof or are intent on preventing it from happening to you, you are probably wondering what exactly causes your roof to leak. As a roofing contractor in Simi Valley, CA, we see the following seven issues as being the most frequent causes of leaky roofs:
- Cracked flashing: Flashing is the thin strips of metal you place on areas where roofing materials meet one another in an effort to keep your roof waterproof. Unfortunately, the tar used to seal flashing can become worn and corroded as the years go by, meaning it is not uncommon for it to crack, exposing your roof to leaks.
- Broken shingles: Broken shingles are one of the easiest causes to catch, and also one of the most convenient and affordable to fix or replace. But if you notice your shingles are breaking quite frequently, it might be time to consider getting a new roof.
- Cracked vent booting: Those small pipes that jut out of your roof are called vent booting, and they are used to prevent your house from becoming overly humid. Because this is another opening to your house from your roof, a case of cracked vent booting is likely to cause leaky roofs during a rainstorm.
- Attic condensation: Your leak might not technically be coming from the roof, but rather through your attic. When the weather grows cold outside but your home is still nice and warm, the attic will experience strong condensation, which can then leak into the rest of your home. Make sure you address any mold issues, and take steps to improve the ventilation in your attic.
- Cracked chimneys: If you notice anything amiss with your chimney, such as wear and tear, loose bricks or other structural problems, then there is a good chance your leak is actually coming in through that cracked chimney. Have a roof and chimney expert come and take a look.
- Clogged gutters: If your gutters are so clogged with leaves and debris that water cannot easily run through them, then rainwater will start to pool up on your roof during a storm. This puts more pressure on the roof, and increases the chances of water leaking in through your roof’s cracks. Make sure you clean your gutters early and often, especially during the rainy season.
- Too much wear: Finally, if you frequently walk on the top of your roof, then the simple wear from supporting you might have cause a crack or leak. If it has been a couple decades since you replaced your roof, now might be the time to do it.
If you need to prevent or fix a leaky roof, we hope you will get in touch with Conejo Valley Roofing, your roofing contractor in Simi Valley, CA.