Whether you buy an old or newly-built home, a roof leak can make itself noticeable over time. The first step to a good roof leak repair checklist is to know the areas where they occur the most. You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to find a leak, but a little bit of investigating is needed. Here are some of the most common origins for a leak in your home.
Your Chimney
A chimney can provide several signs of a roof leak, but most homeowners miss noticeable details since they do not see the interior of their chimney often. Since the chimney does provide the only gap from the roof’s structure to the outside elements, there are different signs to look out for. These include water that has been trickling down the chimney or puddles on the bottom where the fireplace sits.
Other signs your chimney will show include cracks, missing or damaged covers, and worn-down flashing. These are common areas to monitor and are often prime causes of roof leak problems. When you do an annual inspection with a roof repair specialist, be sure to have the chimney marked as an important location to review.
Roof Shingles
Roof shingles serve an important function. While they are decorative and offer a nice aesthetic for your home, they also protect your roof from rain, hail, and debris from nearby trees. If shingles are damaged or missing, then your roof can be more susceptible to leaks. Without shingles in place, the water can penetrate through vulnerable areas of your roof. Important things to look for when you are inspecting your roof are any damaged and missing shingles. If your home is over 15 years old, then it’s a good idea to have it inspected for broken or missing shingles. Here in Northeast Florida, shingle roofs age more quickly than other parts of the country due to hot sun, hurricanes, hail, and thunderstorms. We recommend a roof inspection at 15 years. In addition, some insurance companies now require roof inspections for homeowners’ insurance.
Roof Vents or Seals
The roof is not only the part of the home that protects against moisture and water. The attic, roof, and ventilation systems all combine to manage your home’s interior temperatures and humidity levels. Your roof vents generally look like pipes that stick out of the roof or rectangular metal vents and are designed to keep moisture out of the home. As you inspect your roof vents and seals, look specifically for cracks, damages, and corrosion as risks for a potential leak. Here in the Jacksonville area, it is not uncommon to see damage to metal vent pipes caused by squirrels using them to sharpen their teeth!
Other Causes of Leaks 
In addition to your vents, shingles, and chimney, there are other roof features that can be common sources of leaks in your home. These consist of skylights or HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) parts that can break down or contain worn materials. The water can intrude through gaps in the roof structure and even through parts of your HVAC system. Inside the house, check your ceilings and walls for water spots, nails that are sticking out, or mold growth. These signs are often symptoms of a roof leak.
Even without a noticeable roof leak, it is still valuable to understand the common locations and signs where one can occur. By inspecting these areas and recognizing common signs of a leak, you are more likely to catch a leak in the early stages, before it becomes a major problem.
Got A Leak? Give Us A Call at 904-396-1889
