24 Jun What are the common causes of roof leaks?

Roof leaks are tough to diagnose and they can cost thousands to repair. If you have a roof leak, it may not be as bad as you think though. Most roofs that leak do so because they have worn out or have been damaged over time.

This is common on period properties. On newer properties, the cause is often poor workmanship. But let’s not jump to conclusions – below, we have listed the most common causes of roof leaks, which can affect any property.

1.  Cracked flashing

Flashing is installed underneath shingle on the joints of the roof. These are thin pieces of metal and their aim is to create a water-resistant barrier. They can be exposed or hidden and the reason they become cracked is because the sealant used to seal them can corrode them over time. This is the case with tar. Thankfully, cracked flashing is often simple and inexpensive to repair. You replace the cracked flashing with new flashing. If you believe you have cracked flashing, please give us a call – we will inspect your roof and give you a quote.

• Simple to repair;
• Inexpensive to fix;
• Very common.

2.  Broken shingles

Broken shingles are very common, especially in areas that are prone to bad weather. If you can gain decent visibility of your roof, you should be able to spot damaged shingles – they can be identified by the different coloured patches they create. If you can’t see your roof, then we recommend calling a roofer who will have a ladder to look for you. The good news is so long as broken shingles are spotted early, replacing them should be enough to save the roof from further damage and keep the elements out for years to come.

• Simple to repair;
• Bets if caught early;
• Common.

3.  Valley seal failure

The valley of your roof is the point where two or more planes come together. These areas of the roof are sloped and if the valleys are not sealed properly, then water will get in. This can be tough to diagnose because the water can seep into the property from a few areas. The best thing to do under the circumstances is call a roofing contractor to inspect your valley seals – the good news is that valley seal failure can be corrected. The bad news is that this is an expert job and you can’t do it yourself – so always consult the experts.

• Complex to repair;
• Professional job only;
• Uncommon.

To find out more about our roofing repair services please call 0113 293 4038 or click here to email us>