After nearly 10 years of wedded bliss in your home, it finally happened — you have a leak. While strong materials and great craftsmanship can make your roof last for years, at some point, every roof is going to endure some minor problems. Aside from the obvious answer — a.k.a. the roof — here are some of the most common places you can find a roof leak.
Around the chimney. Between the gap of your chimney and roof, there’s a piece of metal or plastic known as flashing. For the first few years, this flashing lays flushed to the roof and chimney. But years of rain, wind, and dust can drive a wedge between the two pieces, leaving room for water to sneak inside your house.
Near problematic shingles. Over the years, the shingles on your roof will need to be replaced, either due to natural aging or because of a storm. In addition to letting water through to your home, these shingles can also become a host for mold and mildew.
The gutters. When gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, they can’t carry water away from your house. After a heavy rain, your gutters will likely overflow, causing rainwater to sit on your roof. During the winter, this water can also freeze and cause your gutters to crack or detach from the house completely.
Valleys. The valley of your roof is the section where two planes intersect. After a few years, the piping, flashing, or rubber material that covers this seam can become worn down, leaving low spots for water to collect.
Vents. To prevent mold from growing in your attic, it must be properly ventilated. But while these vents provide numerous health benefits (both for you and your house) they also create gaps near your roof that water can flow in from.
The best way to protect your roof from leaks is to have your roof inspected regularly for any weak spots, missing shingles, or open seams. At JM Roofing & Siding, we can not only inspect your roof and make you aware of any of these problems, but we can also fix them in a timely and efficient manner!