June 2015, Ottawa, Ontario

Is Your Roof Leaking? Here are some reasons why you may have a leaking roof.

So far it's been a soggy June 2015 with the amount of rain fallen in the Ottawa area. We have received a total of 70.80 mm of precipitation (Weatherstats Canada) and we are only half way through the month of June.

Some of the rain fall has been fast and furious while others are light showers - and hopefully none of these found it's way into your home.

Roof leaks can cause significant damage to a home if the underlying cause isn't discovered and repaired promptly. Since water can travel outward from the point where a leak occurs, it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Check your roof for some of the most common causes of leaks to stop an existing leak or to prevent future problems.

Below are some reasons why you may have a leaking roof.

Age

Roofing materials deteriorate with age and become less effective at keeping water out. Temperature fluctuations and weather conditions may cause roofing materials to become brittle and crack over time. Exposure to direct sunlight can melt the tar that seals shingles together.

Missing Shingles

Strong winds can rip shingles from the roof, and you may have an exposed area where you can't see. Climb a ladder to inspect hidden areas and check for missing shingles.

Debris

Buildup of debris such as twigs, leaves or pine needles can trap water against the roof and allow it to seep in by capillary action. It's important to keep the roof clear to permit water to run off quickly. Trimming overhanging tree branches will make it easier to keep your roof free of debris.

Excess Moisture

Draining upper roof gutters directly onto a lower roof can lead to the lower section becoming overly saturated, which can cause leaks. Extend the downspout to the next gutter or down to the ground instead.

Roof Vents

It's important for any penetration through the roof to be sealed properly to prevent leaks. Inspect the gaskets around vent pipes for cracks or gaps and check for missing nails. Plastic vents may crack after years of exposure to the weather.

Flashing

Metal roof flashing seals roof transitions where large amounts of water run down or where absorption may occur. Flashing is placed where the roof joins a dormer, where a chimney penetrates the roof and around the edges of skylights. Flashing sections may slide out of place if nails are missing and caulk may dry and crack over time.

Ridge Cap

The ridge cap covers the gap at the peak of a roof where the two slopes meet. Contractors who use rope and harness systems without protecting the ridge cap can create holes in the roofing material, allowing rain to enter.

Gutter Backup

Gutters that are clogged with leaves or other debris can slow the water flowing off the roof, giving it time to soak through. Gutter covers can help keep gutters clear of debris to ensure that water flows freely and quickly off the roof.

Holes

Holes remaining after the removal of a TV antenna or some other rooftop installation can draw water into the house. Inspect the roof for holes and seal any that you discover.

Slope

If the roof slope is too shallow, wind can lift shingles and drive rain underneath. Roof slope, or pitch, is measured as a ratio of its vertical rise, in inches, over a horizontal distance of 12 inches. The International Building Code stipulates that the roof slope must be at least 2:12 for installation of asphalt shingles. If the slope is between 2:12 and 4:12, a double layer of underlay material must be used. Ensure that your roofing materials are appropriate for the roof pitch and have been installed properly.

Call a licensed roofing contractor if you are experiencing a leaking roof. If there is a lot of water damage call a licensed roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof. It is possible that simply re-shingling the roof will not repair most roof leaks. Re-roofing can be expensive, so be sure to get several estimates from different contractors before selecting someone to do the work. Verify that the contractor you choose is certified and has insurance. After the roof work is complete, ask the contractor to go over proper roof maintenance with you.

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