Why Do Roofs Leak?

Roofs leak for several reasons, the most obvious being damage to the roof or age-related deterioration.
You cannot control Mother Nature, but you can control the upkeep of your roof. Properly inspecting
and maintaining your roof and the vegetation surrounding your home can help keep your roof damage-
free, resulting in a roof that does not leak and lasts its average life expectancy.

Spotting a Leak on the Inside of Your Home
If you go into your attic and you notice any condensation or mold growth on any of the support beams,
plywood, or items you have stored in the attic, it could be a sign that there is a leak or that the venting
in your attic is not adequate. The leak could be from damage to your roof, or it could result from debris
on your roof, causing water to puddle and seep under your shingles. Leaks can also be from clogged
gutters, which cause water to back up onto your roof and get under the shingles. In the northeast,
where temperatures can be below freezing for long periods, clogged gutters can contribute to ice
damming, resulting in significant water intrusion into the home once the ice melts.

Damage can not only be caused by weather, but it can also be caused by equipment that exists or was
removed from the roof. An antenna, dish, or rooftop air conditioning unit that was improperly installed
or removed can damage your roof, leading to leaks. Even walking on your roof, if you live in an arid hot
climate, can damage the shingles if they are old, dry, and brittle. A leak can also result from failing
shingles simply due to age deterioration.

Common Reasons for Roof Leaks
1. Age of the roof. The shingles are starting to fail because the roof’s life expectancy has been
met.
2. Improper installation or compromised seals or pipe boot connections around roof protrusions
such as roof vents, utility pipes, or skylights.
3. Damaged, corroded, or improperly installed flashing around chimneys.
4. Damaged shingles caused by weather events, including shingles that are torn off or roof
punctures caused by hail storms and fallen branches.
5. Clogged gutters leading to water backup on the roof.
6. Compromised roof valleys (where two sloping roofs meet).
7. Improper installation or use of materials by an inexperienced roofer. If the proper materials are
not used for the climate or not correctly installed (i.e., nails not properly driven in, roof
membrane or flashing not correctly installed, etc.), leaks can occur.

Roof Inspections
Often, damage or debris can be spotted from the ground. However, a thorough inspection by a roofing
professional will ensure you stay safe while a professional determines the full extent of damage, if any.
After a storm, it is highly recommended to have an inspection as soon as possible if signs of a leak are
present. Even if the roof was not punctured, debris could block water flow, causing pooling, which can
seep into your home and cause damage. Contact FCR before small leaks become significant leaks!