Homeowners fervently hope that they never see that telltale darkening of ceiling material that shows that water has broken through the roof's defenses. Because leaks in roofs and the resulting ceiling damage can be costly to fix, early diagnosis of the problem is key. If you see signs of a leak in your ceiling, the real root of the problem lies above, in the roof itself. Does this Spark an idea?
Flashing Problems
One of the most vulnerable parts of a roof is the flashing, the strips of metal that surround any necessary opening in the roof, such as the chimney. Because these metallic strips surround weak points in your roof's defenses, they must be strong to keep water out. If your flashing was installed improperly or the material itself is of poor quality, you may experience leakage around this roof element.
Improper Shingle Installation
Shingles don't just add to the aesthetic appeal of a home, but they also make the roof water resistant, hopefully keeping the elements outdoors. If shingles are not properly installed, however, they cannot perform this valuable function. Particularly if untrained individuals installed your shingles, issues with their initial installation may be at the root of your problem.
Loose Nails
Nails play an important part in keeping your roof watertight. If the nails that hold on your shingles are loose, water can seep under them and through the roof, likely onto your ceiling. Because loose nails are easy to fix, this problem isn't usually a costly one to remedy.
Damage
If your roof isn't as pristine as it was when it was initially installed, it may not be holding back the water as well as it once did. Often the elements wreak havoc on a roof, blowing up shingles. If you first notice your leak after a serious storm, the root of your problem is likely storm damage that needs to be repaired.
Natural Weathering
Even the highest quality roof will eventually give way to weather. If your roof is old and you notice a leak, the culprit is likely natural weathering. After awhile, your roof, like any element in your home, becomes old and needs serious repairs or replacement. Because replacing a roof can be a substantial investment, this issue is among the most costly to repair.
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