Tips for Preventing Roof Leaks

The last thing you want to see when you look up is a leak in your ceiling. Water in your home is never a good sign. Here are some tips to diagnose the problem and information about how you can help prevent problems from occurring.

Diagnosing the Problem: Is it the Roof Leaking?  

First step to diagnosing a leak is to determine the cause. Water coming from a ceiling can be caused by one of two main problems: a roof leak or a leak from plumbing/HVAC pipes. Once you figure out which is the cause, you will have a better idea of how to fix the issue.

Common Causes of Roof Leaks 

There are many different causes of roof leaks, but here are the most common:

Aged or Damaged Shingles

Roofing isn’t like fine wine or art; it doesn’t get better with age! Your roofing has a typical life expectancy of about 20 to 25 years, but weather conditions can shorten its lifespan. If your shingles are damaged or aged, they can cause leaks.

Leaks Along Flashing

Flashing is the thin metal sheet that covers seams and transitions in roofing to create a water-resistant barrier. If flashing isn’t properly secured or sealed, this can often do the opposite of what was intended and allow water to seep inside.

Chimney Leaks

Check chimneys where they cut through your roof. Sometimes the problem is an issue with your flashing,  and other times it could be caused by debris buildup on the high side of your chimney, allowing water to get under your roofing.

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are meant to channel water away from your house, not collect water in them. Make sure that your gutters are cleared of debris in order to help prevent roof leaks.

Tips to Prevent Leaks 

Here are a few tips on how to prevent a leaky roof:

• Clean Gutters
• Make sure to keep all gutters clean and clear of debris.
• Have your roof inspected regularly. Even if it is just a visual scan to look for cracked or broken shingles, this simple step can help to prevent water damage down the road. If you notice an issue, have it fixed immediately.
• Check all seals- checking the seals around any holes in your roof (skylights, roof vents, chimneys) can be a great way to prevent roof leaks. Making sure these areas are sealed can be your first line of defense against roof leaks.
• If you find a problem, fix it immediately.

Fixing an issue as soon as you find it prevents problems from becoming worse. If you spot a leak, make sure to mark it in some way as this will make it much easier for whoever will be fixing the issue. Photograph the leak from a wide angle to make it easier to find as well.

Sometimes leaks can’t be prevented. However, with careful maintenance, you can help your home stay dry and identify problems before serious damage occurs. If you have questions about insurance coverage for your home, reach out to one of our local offices to see how we can help.

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.