It does not matter if you have a house or an office building, the last thing you need is a leaking roof. You might think that the problem is minor, but the best action you can take as soon as you notice a leak is to call a Katy roofing contractor. Water that gets through your roof can quickly damage your building. That little drip from your ceiling might cost you quite a bit of time and money if you do not get it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
There are several problems that could cause your roof to leak. If you know the symptoms you can avoid a Katy roof replacement and have the problem repaired. A Katy roofing company can quickly figure out the problem so that they can repair it before it causes more damage.
Why Does a Roof Leak?
Here is a list of the most common reasons that can cause your roof to leak.
Cracked Flashing
The pieces of metal installed beneath your shingles and on your roof’s joints are called flashing. When it is in good condition, the flashing maintains a water-resistant barrier. Broken flashing has long cracks through it. Cracked flashing happens because the tar that was used to seal the flashing has corroded from exposure to rain and wind.
Broken Shingles
It is easy to notice broken shingles by examining your roof from the ground. If you see patches that differ in color from the rest of the roof, your shingles are missing or broken. You will probably see the remnants on your lawn. Shingles crack and break from high winds, drenching rain and age.
Improperly Sealed Valleys
A valley is where two sections of the roof meet, which is usually on a slope. Rainwater can get under the roof if the valleys are not properly sealed. Wet spots next to the seams in your roof are symptoms of this problem. Leaks in the valleys might be caused by weather, but usually, the valleys were not sealed correctly or were stepped on after they were sealed.
Cracks in the Vent Booting
The pipes that protrude from your roof are called vents. They permit excess moisture to escape from the interior of your building. If the booting is cracked, you will notice dark spots on your attic floor. Your attic will also smell musty. Flashing that is beneath the boot may be cracked, or the roof may be decaying.
The Presence of Ice Dams
During the winter, ice dams can form along the ridge of the roof. They stop water from flowing into the gutter. The standing water or the sheer weight of the ice can damage the roof.
Poorly Installed Skylights
Wet spots beneath your skylights indicate that they were installed incorrectly. However, there could also be a problem with the flashing. A poor fit or decayed insulation can cause this problem.
Clogged Gutters
Leaves and debris from overhanging trees can plug your gutters. The trapped water can seep into any cracks in the roof’s edge.
A Cracked Chimney
Loose flashing, damaged shingles or cracked mortar around your chimney allows water to penetrate your roof.
Attic Condensation
Mold or mildew in your attic means that the air is too wet, so moisture is pooling on the attic floor.
Damage From Use
If you go out on your roof to remove debris, you might step on a fragile seal and damage it.
If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately contact Paramount Roofing at 713-748-4000. Our owner will come to your home to diagnose the problem and give you a free estimate. Do not let a minor problem become a major headache.