If you live in a home long enough, you’re bound to experience some trouble with your roof. Roof leaks are the major indicator that there’s trouble brewing on top of your home. In some cases, you may need roof repairs. In some cases, you may need a full roof replacement. But in either case, there are warning signs that may help you avoid major water damage to your home. As a general contractor and residential roofing contractor serving the Asheville and Brevard, NC area, Southern Quality Company recommends that you keep an eye out for these five common causes of roof leaks.
- Missing shingles: Missing shingles are one of the most common causes of roof leaks. When shingles get older, they’re easier to dislodge from the roof. When heavy rains and high winds come along during spring and summer storms, they may blow away. Keep an eye out for this particular problem.
- Cracked flashing: When the tar that holds your flashing together starts to deteriorate, water can seep in through the seams.
- Cracked roof vents: Roof vents are the little pipes that extend out from the top of your roof. Their job is to keep moisture out of your home. But when they’re cracked or the seal starts to corrode, they can actually let moisture in.
- Bad seals in the valleys: Valleys are the places where two different pieces of the roof come together. Sloped and set at an angle, rain runs down the valley and to your gutters. But if the two pieces of roof aren’t properly sealed, all that water can come into your home.
- Damage from ice and snow: Ice and snow are a routine part of winters here in the North Carolina mountains. Although we usually don’t get extreme amounts of frozen precipitation, it can happen. And when it builds up, it adds extra weight to your roof. If the weather remains cold, the white stuff won’t melt—and your roof can be damaged, making it prone to leaks.
If you find a leak and suspect you need roof repairs at your Brevard, Asheville, or Sapphire Valley, NC home, call Southern Quality Company. Or avoid leaks altogether through our preventative maintenance or regular inspection programs. And come back next month to learn more about roof leaks and roof repairs.