Talk to Professional Roofers in Traverse City, MI About the Common Causes of Residential Roof Leaks

The end of summer is fast approaching and rainy days may be on the horizon—now is the time to conclude your summer home maintenance and start getting ready for the wet winter months. But don’t get caught in the rain while you’re inside your home! Before autumn arrives, talk to professional roofers in Traverse City, MI about the following common causes of residential roof leaks:

• Damaged shingles: Roofing shingles are designed to direct water off the top of your home down into the rain gutters or over the edge. An exposed roof is vulnerable to all types of weather, but you may not notice problems until rain rolls through your area. So it’s not surprising that even the smallest crack can let water seep underneath roofing materials, leaving water damage in its wake. Whether the shingle damage is a crack or a missing chunk, without a solid protective barrier, your home is fair game for the ravages of wet weather.
• Broken flashing: You might be wondering what flashing is. Step back and look up at a fixture on your roof, like the chimney, piping stacks, an HVAC unit or ventilation caps. You’re likely to see metal or plastic bordering the base of roof fixtures, almost like giant pieces of tape. This is flashing, which protects open spaces between the fixture and the shingles by covering small seams and edges from the elements. When flashing breaks, water can invade, causing ceiling leaks or leaving water stains.
• Clogged rain gutters: Rain gutters are an integral part of your home’s water mitigation system. Water runs off the shingles and into the gutters before flowing through the downspouts and away from the foundation. So it’s crucial that you ensure a clear path for water to escape. Letting your gutters clog up with leaves and tree debris will eventually cause water to back up and pool onto your roof, because if the exit is sealed, it has nowhere else to go.
• Improperly sealed valleys: Professional roofers in Traverse City, MI see all sorts of roofing issues—improperly sealed valleys being just one of them. These valleys are present when two sections of roof meet in a V, which you might see on sloped roofs to divert water off of them. Leaks occur in valleys when a sealant is of poor quality or the installation is done wrong. But valleys can also be affected by sealant breakdown and by walking around on your roof.
• Skylight failure: Skylights are similar to traditional residential windows in that they are made of strong window glass and require proper weather sealant and insulation materials to keep the elements out. Like other rooftop fixtures, a thin flashing borders most skylights. If the seal breaks or the flashing cracks, then water can find its way into your ceiling, causing leaks, mold or form unsightly water marks.

If you own a house, there may be times when you experience a leaky roof. When you’re in need of professional roofers in Traverse City, MI, contact the best service in town: Qualified Roofing. We have over 25 years of experience and are always ready to help!

Categorised in: Roofer