What are the most common causes of roof leaks?

September 14, 2022 | By DriRite

Roof leaks are signs that there is seeping water that has managed to penetrate all layers of the roof. Whether it is a pipe, accumulated water , a clogged  drain with leaves , a broken shingle or a crack in the asphalt membrane, it’s important to address the issue and  take measures to solve it in time and prevent a mayor structural damage. 

By finding cause and origen, major damages can be prevented or repaired in time without worsening the situation. Because, beyond the annoying drops that fall, they produce moisture that causes disease such as mold toxicity and other consequences. 

If you’d like to know more about roof leaks , continue reading to understand more some of the causes.

Mold caused by a roof leak.

Age of the building

All building materials have a shelf life. With the passage of time and exposure to the weather, these materials deteriorate and weaken, which tends to generate cracks where the water filters and generates leaking roofs.

It is important that you constantly check your ceiling and walls to see the condition they are in and if any repair or maintenance is needed.

Lack of maintenance

Roof maintenance is essential and highly important for the materials to last their maximum life time. Without proper care, materials suffer a more accelerated deterioration, in addition to the fact that small details advance and worsen over time, transforming into large roof repairs and structural damage.

Climatic factors

Depending on the climate in each city, the materials on the roof can last more or less. It is of great importance to know the climate and the consequences that it can cause in buildings. In Florida,  it is very common to run across roofing leaks caused by heavy rainfalls during the hurricane months.

Quality of construction materials

Poor quality materials tend to have a shorter shelf life or give misleading results. We recommend that you inform yourself and purchase better quality products to obtain better results. In the same way, we remind you that maintenance is necessary so that the materials can have the longest possible life.

Water accumulation in gutters and roofs

When the gutters are clogged or a poorly placed tile prevents the water from running, it accumulates and forms leaks. This is due to the effect of the liquid on building materials. Although all roofing and cover materials must be conditioned to be in contact with water, they are not designed to be constant, as in the case of swimming pools. So they are weakened and have failures that cause leaks and sometimes after mayor water damage, it is common to see mold.

Seams are often your roof’s weak point. Large rolls of membrane are rolled out over the vast expanse of a commercial roof. Depending on whether the roof is fully adhered or mechanically fastened, those membranes are secured to either the insulation or deck below.

Excessive water condensation

Sometimes roof leaks are mistaken for excessive water condensation . If you see that there is an accumulation of drops in a more or less extensive area just above the shower or bathtub, it may be excess humidity due to condensation. Excessive condensation causes paint to peel and mold to grow in the bathroom on both the ceiling and walls. If you do not notice circular discolored spots in the wetter part and the plaster seems solid, it does not look like a water leak.

Don’t stress – Hand it down to Dririte!

Leaks are not only annoying but can cause great damage in a short time. The best way to prevent its appearance is by periodically checking the roof . This will allow you to detect in a timely manner if there is moisture , mold or cracks. 

Another very useful tip to avoid leaks is that you keep a waterproofing log. You must be aware of when the last one was made and if it was done correctly. This way you will know if it is time to reinforce it.

Knowing the importance of waterproofing is essential to avoid deterioration of the roof. Here at Dririte we perform water tests to find moisture intrusion in your homes exterior. Count on us to remediate any water damage problems and handle all the insurance billing for you.

keep in mind that water intrusion not only is destructive to the structure of the house, but also a mold intrusion can cause health issues that can be detrimental to our well being. 

Contact Us

Are you seeking a Water Damage restoration company? Look no further than Dririte USA. With services coast to coast throughout Florida, we have the expert technicians and professional equipment to tackle any flood.  We work directly with insurance , Don’t worry about water damage costs. Call us today!