Realizing that your roof is leaking might make you feel a sense of panic. You may have no idea why it’s happening or what you should do to handle the situation.
A roof can leak for several reasons. Your best bet is to contact a roofing company as soon as possible and have the roof inspected. Once a professional has identified the source of the problem, you’ll be able to discuss the best way to address it.
Common Reasons Why a Roof Leaks
Often, a roof gets damaged in a storm and then starts to leak. A storm can loosen shingles or tear them off completely, which can allow water to get inside. Damage to flashing can also cause a roof to leak.
A hole in the roof, even a small one, can lead to a roof leak. A hole can be caused by a fallen tree branch, an animal, or something else. If the problem isn’t detected and addressed right away, it can get worse over time.
Gutter issues can also lead to roof leaks. If your gutters are clogged, they can’t remove water from the roof efficiently. Water that gets backed up can get under shingles, and the roof can begin to leak. Gutters often get clogged because homeowners put off cleaning them. Small animals and insects also sometimes build nests inside gutters, which can cause water to back up.
Ice dams are another common source of roof leaks. If a roof is covered with snow and warm air escapes from the attic, it can cause the snow to melt. Water can then run down to the eaves, which are colder. The water can refreeze and form ice dams, and the ice can damage the roof and gutters.
Many roof leaks are simply due to wear and tear. For example, years of exposure to the elements can cause the protective granules on asphalt shingles to wear off.
Roofing shingles are meant to last for decades, but eventually, they will wear out. If a homeowner doesn’t keep up with routine maintenance and make repairs when they’re needed, a roof may have to be replaced before the end of its typical lifespan.
Have Your Roof Inspected
In some cases, a leaky roof only needs minor repairs, but in other instances, the problem is much more extensive than it first appears, and the roof has to be replaced. The only way to know for sure is to have a roofing contractor conduct an inspection.
If the roof on your Connecticut home is leaking, contact Brodeur Roofing right away. We will figure out what’s causing the problem and how serious it is and then recommend an appropriate solution.