One of the most frustrating and potentially damaging types of problems your home or business could experience is a roof leak. If you have started to notice any water or water spots on the ceiling of your home, then you know that you likely have a problem on the roof. However, many people don’t know exactly what caused their leak, as it is not always as obvious as having a giant hole in the roof. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of leaking roofs.

Shingle Damage

Over time, even the best shingles on your roof may need replacement. They can come loose and fall away or blow away in a storm, leaving your home vulnerable to roof leaks. If you are missing just a couple of shingles, chances are you won’t notice unless you are actively inspecting your roof and looking for issues. In some cases, the manner in which the shingles were attached to the roof in the first place could be the source of damage. If they were not properly sealed, or if nails were placed through the shingle, it could cause a hole that’s just waiting for some rain to put a damper on your day.

Those who live in areas where it snows and freezes can also find some issues with the shingles. The ice can actually back up under the shingles during the winter. When it starts to warm up, the ice and snow melts, and it could damage the roof beneath the shingles. You might not notice damage for a few years, but the continual addition of the added water under the shingles can eventually cause roof leaks.

Bad Flashing

If the flashing on the seams of your roof is bad or missing, this is actually another area where you could have some problems. Many roof leaks will occur where there is damaged flashing. Over the years, the flashing could corrode or tear away, and it is one of the most overlooked areas of the roof, that you really need to give more attention.

Plumbing Problems

If you have pipes that run through the roof area of the home, damage to those pipes will surely cause some leaks. There could be issues with the vent pipes, exhaust flues, attic vents, ducts, and more. If the flashing around the pipes is cracked, it will cause a roof leak in time.

What Should You Do?

When you notice roof leaks, no matter how small it might seem right now. You want to make sure that you don’t ignore it. These problems will not go away. In fact, they are only going to get worse over time, and that means that the eventual repair costs will be much higher. Finding the source of the leak on your own might be possible, but it is often far more complicated than just trying to trace the leak, as the water can flow through a large part of the roof before the leak actually begins inside. The best course of action is to call in a professional to look at the roof, find the extent of damage, and explain your solutions to you.