A dripping roof can pose several potential damages to a home if the underlying causes aren’t identified or taken care of promptly. Since water has the ability to make it way through almost everything, identifying the actual cause of the leak might get a bit challenging or overwhelming for a novice. So, we have compiled a list of the most common causes behind roof leaks to save you from costly repairs.
Before we begin, here’s an overview of what we are going to discuss in this blog. We will share the most common reasons behind roof leaks and some techniques to spot them early on. Afterwards, we will provide you some maintenance tips that you can use to prevent the leaks from happening again.
List of Common Causes Behind Roof Leaks and Its Maintenance
For homeowners, identifying the reason behind a leaking roof is far more challenging than dealing with one. If you leave a leaking roof unattended or unrepaired for too long, it can end up damaging the furnishing and the foundation of your house, which in turn might cost an arm and leg to repair, provided it can be mended.
That being said, here’s a list of some common causes behind roof leaks:
- Broken Flashing
- Clogged Drainage System
- Damaged Shingles
- Faulty Skylight
- Leaking Exhaust
- Roof Holes
Broken Flashing
There might be a horde of reasons behind a dripping roof, but the most common is a broken flashing. If you do not know what flashings are, let us describe it for you. Flashings are made of metal and are installed under joints to support the structure of the roof. These joints are sealed with fibre membrane to prevent the water from seeping through the ceiling and damage the furnishings below.
We all know that tar and mastic can corrode over time due to bad weather and heavy rainfall. Owing to such conditions, the flash starts to form large cracks, which results in a leaking roof.
| Maintenance Tip: Keep checking your roof timely and fix the tar or mastic as soon as it begins to corrode. If you notice any cracks in the flashing, call a professional to replace it immediately. |
Clogged Drainage System
A clogged drainage system is one of the most common causes behind roof leaks. We know for a fact that water is the stealthiest rival, and it is always eager to seep through even the toughest parts of your home. A clogged drainage system can disturb the plumbing system of your house, ultimately causing the ceiling to drip.
| Maintenance Tip: Broken toilets and sinks can lead to a leaking roof in your house. Grab your plumbing kit, a pair of latex gloves, and get the job done yourself. You can also take help from our guide to unclog the kitchen sink. |
Damaged Shingles
Roof shingles – also known as roof tiles – can get damaged during certain weather conditions, such as heavy rainfalls, wind, and storms. Just like any other furnishing in your house, they also have a limited life and need replacement and timely maintenance. Since they are a barrier for water and they stop the water from leaking into your ceiling, they need to be in top shape at all times.
| Maintenance Tips: Shingles and tiles laid over your roof should be checked regularly. We’d recommend having a fortnightly inspection for missing shingles and replacing them as soon as possible. Repeat the same after a storm or a heavy rainfall. |
Faulty Skylight
The flat windows on your roof are otherwise known as skylights. They are protected by screws and sealed with flashing on your roof. Just like windows, they bring great benefits to your homes, such as natural light and ventilation. Besides benefits, they can also be a common cause behind a leaking roof, when they develop a fault or break.
The skylight can get broken if it isn’t installed or sealed properly. As a homeowner, you should be vigilant when you are getting a skylight installed or fixed on your roof. We’d recommend working hand-in-hand with experts, take correct measurements, and make sure that it is adequately sealed after installation.
| Maintenance Tip: Many homeowners do not know that the seal around the flange decays with time, and the glass can dry out. Check the skylights monthly or after bad weather for cracks near and within its frame. Water leaks can also sprout down the sides of the poorly fitted frame. As such, get it reinstalled if the problem persists. |
Leaking Exhaust
Roof vents are used to expel trapped heat and moisture in your house. They are also installed to limit the chances of mould [if working properly]. In case they get broken, they allow water to make its way to your roof and wall, which can turn your abode into a mess of mould and other infestations.
| Maintenance Tip: If you notice dark spots around your roof, it is time for you to spring into action. The best prevention before repairing a leaking roof is to get the exhaust system checked by an expert every six months, whether you notice any signs of a leak or not. |
Roof Holes
If your roof leaks during the rain, you might have roof holes. Roof holes and dents are also among the most frequent reasons for roof leaks. The holes are usually caused by bad weather or a stray animal such as squirrels or cats. Roofs are also prone to house infestation, which is known to survive by damaging the foundation. This damage can cause a dent under the ceiling, which results eventually in a big hole.
| Maintenance Tip: Roof dents can stay undetected, living for years until an inspection reveals them. Be proactive and check for roof holes before they turn into a costly repair job. |
So, that concludes our piece. We have discussed some of the most common reasons for roof leaks in this post, along with their maintenance tips. These tips are a life-saver for every homeowner, irrespective of whether they are experienced or new to the game. If you need assistance with repairing the plumbing system in your home, take a look at our blog on some easy DIY plumbing repairs. Tell us how you ensure the well-being of your property at blog@zameen.com.
Moreover, we have also discussed the tips to detect and prevent gas leaks at home in one of our previous posts. Also, did you know that signing up for home insurance in Pakistan can save you from a lot of trouble? Well, if you didn’t, navigate to our blog, where we have listed the best institutions for home insurance in Pakistan that have partnered with Zameen.com and provide a shield against unforeseen situations.
For more tips and prevention against pricey home repairs, keep visiting Zameen Blog – the best portal for everything property in Pakistan.
And oh, trust us when we say the ‘best’ because we have everything you need to know about the lifestyle in the areas of Karachi to the neighbourhoods of Islamabad. We can also give you a virtual tour of any community of Pakistan, irrespective of the fact that you might be locked down in Lahore.
