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The 5 Most Common Causes for Roof Leaks

Your home’s roof has to weather a lot of damage over its lifetime. It may face extremes of heat and cold, heaped snow, hailstones, fallen branches, and more. Unfortunately, even a properly installed and well-maintained roof will begin to fail. Leaks, which include both water dripping in and climate controlled air escaping out, can come from a number of causes.

Problems With the Underlay

The underlay is the part of the roof that goes underneath the roofing tiles, shingles, or sheets. Strong winds can cause gaps between the roof and underlay.

Missing Tiles

Shingles are light enough that they can get ripped away during a strong storm. After particularly high winds, check your roof from every angle to make sure there isn’t a problem.

Condensation Buildup

This can affect your roof in two different ways. It can cause condensation on the ceiling, making you think there’s a leak. This condensation can sink into places like wooden beams and drywall, causing the roof to sag.

Rooftop Equipment

Installing equipment such as air conditioner units onto your rooftop creates a number of weak points that may eventually fail. This can include the nail or screw holes where the unit was attached, piping connecting the unit to the house, and possible damage caused by the weight itself. Equipment installed on a weaker part of the roof or between rafters may eventually fall through, particularly if the roof is already compromised by water.

Weather

This is the number one cause of long-term roof damage. If you live in a hot climate, the intense sun can cause asphalt shingles to separate and lines of sealant to prematurely wear out. In cold climates, your roof will need to deal with the weight and moisture of snow throughout the winter. You may also face water seeping between tiles, expanding, and cracking. Finally, wind can cause tree branches to rub against the roof, fall, or tear off gutters.

If you’re looking for St. Louis roof repair services or vinyl siding installation, contact the team at Edward’s Roofing and Exteriors today.

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