Common Causes of Roof Leaks & How to Prevent Them!

A roof leak can be a homeowner's worst nightmare leading to costly repairs and water damage. Let’s break down the most common causes of roof leaks so you can take preventative measures and know how to address these issues right away.

Shingles

Think of your shingles as your roof's first line of defense against the elements. Just like anything, they can wear down over time. Broken, cracked, or missing shingles are like gaping holes in your home’s protective barrier that can let water seep through. Harsh weather, old age, and even pesky critters can take their toll, leaving your roof vulnerable during a rainstorm. Curling shingles are another red flag, indicating they've lost their grip on a tight seal and are ready to peel away.

Improper Solar Panel Installation

While solar panels offer a sustainable energy solution, improper installation can introduce new leak risks to your roof. Penetrations for mounting hardware create additional points of entry for water. Improperly sealed holes, inadequate flashing, or damage to existing shingles during installation can all become pathways for leaks. Choose the highest reviewed solar installer that exceeds customer satisfaction!

Gutters

Your gutters channel rainwater away from your home's foundation, protecting it from cracks, erosion, and even mold growth. But when they're clogged or damaged, they can force water to negatively impact your home.

Here's how your gutters can lead to roof leaks:

• Water Overflow: When gutters are clogged with debris, they can't properly channel water away from your home, including your walls. This allows water to overflow and back up under the roof shingles, or pool over a flat roof.
  
• Gutter Disconnect: If gutters are clogged, the water's weight can cause the gutters to pull away from its attachment to your home, leading to damage.
  
• Foundation Issues: Damaged gutters can lead to foundation issues that indirectly affect the roof's stability. Improper drainage can cause water to pool around the foundation, leading to cracks and settling. Over time, this can affect the entire structure of the house, potentially causing problems with the roof.
  

​Skylights

Gaps, improper flashing, or even wonky placement can create the perfect entry points for water, turning your skylight into an unwanted indoor waterfall. What about materials? Even the most skilled installer can't work miracles with subpar materials. Cracked glass, faulty seals, or low-quality flashing can all become weak links in the chain, letting uninvited moisture in. Wear-and-tear can compromise seals, loosen flashing, and create tiny cracks. This is why it’s key to hire a reputable roofing team to install your skylights.

How to Prevent Roof Leaks

Roof Inspections: Get an inspection by a qualified roofer to identify and address potential issues early on. This includes checking for damaged or missing shingles, clogged gutters, compromised flashing, and any punctures. If you notice something - say something! Don't ignore seemingly minor issues. Promptly addressing these can prevent them from escalating into costly leaks.

Gutter Cleaning: Schedule a cleaning for your gutters to ensure proper water drainage. Trim overhanging branches to minimize the risk of falling debris. This is especially important to do before the rainy seasons!

Quality Solar Installation: Hire a professional solar installer that truly understands roofs! At August Roofing & Solar, our solar panel installers are also trained roofers that have the necessary knowledge to prevent leaks and other future damage. We are the only company with roofing and solar certifications in all of Southern California.

Want to get your home on the right track? Give us a call today for any roof repair, gutter install, gutter cleaning, roof inspection or solar panel installation!