What Causes a Roof Leak?


What Causes a Roof Leak?Drip, drip, drip. Uh oh. If you're reading the morning paper and a drop of water smudges the words, you're likely in for roof repairs if it fell from the ceiling. While your first question may not be suitable for this blog, the second thing you may ask yourself is how did that happen? Roof leaks can occur for a number of reasons and quite frequently the first time people notice they have a problem is when water hits the floor.

Signs of a Roof Leak

As a homeowner it is important that you're regularly on the lookout for problems around the home, including roofing issues. If you encounter the following, there is almost certainly a roof leak.

  • Physical Drip - Unless water is overflowing from an upstairs faucet or tub, or a pipe in the ceiling burst, that water is coming through the attic from the roof.
  • Water Spots on Ceiling - In some cases you may not feel a drip, but you'll be able to see water spots on the ceiling. These can appear as black or grey areas, and should be an immediate cause for concern.

Causes of Roof Leaks

If you notice any of the above, or have some other reason to believe your roof has a leak, give your home a visual inspection and look for the following.

Curling or Buckling Shingles

Shingles that do not stay flat against the roof are going to provide room for water to flow into the attic. As it puddles it will eventually cause damage to the ceiling.

Missing Shingles

Aside from damaged shingles, high wind storms can tear shingles away. This is more likely to happen to homes with roofs that are near or have surpassed the end of their suggested roofing lifespan.

Damaged Flashing Around Penetrations

Winds are often at fault for damaging the flash around roofing penetrations such as vents and chimneys. Worn flashing can allow water to seep into the attic.

Clogged Gutters

If gutters are clogged it can cause water to overflow and soak into the roof deck, which can warp the wood and allow more water into the attic.

If you believe your home has a roof leak be sure to contact a professional residential roofer. For expert roof leak repair in Aurora or the surrounding Colorado communities contact Twin Peaks Roofing. Our crew will be out ASAP to repair the problem. To learn more, or to request an estimate for roofing repair in Aurora give us a call at (720) 961-2851 today.