Wet stain creeping across your ceiling is one of the nightmares all property owners dread. Unfortunately, if you own a property, you will experience a roof leak at some moment, and fixing it is not an easy task. Fixing roof leak damage can cost you plenty of their time and hard-earned cash.

Just like predicting rain, which we get plenty in Florida, predicting when the roof will leak is incredibly tricky. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so it’s vital to keep it in top condition. If you are planning an inspection of your roof or looking for the cause of leaks, here we have compiled the 10 most common causes of roof leaks to help you spot potential problems. And if your roof is damaged for any reason, you can claim your roof leak insurance with us.

8 Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks:

Your Flashing Has Cracked –

Flashing is the metal pieces installed under the roof joints and shingles to create a barrier for water. This flashing, or tar sealer, can crack over time and cause a roof leak. Sometimes this can be caused simply by wind and rain or hail can also cause damage to roof shingles and seals. This type of roof damage can be avoided by checking your flashing regularly for cracks or damage and making sure it is properly sealed.

You Have Broken Shingles –

There’s good news! You may not need a contractor to inspect the broken shingle. This one is easy to spot. Shingles are the outer layer of the roof which looks pretty uniform. So you can identify a missing or damaged shingle by simply looking at dark patches on the roof. The major cause of broken or missing shingles is again the weather – high winds and heavy rains, so you may find the shingles themselves littering your yard after a heavy storm.

Your Valleys Seal is Broken –

A roof valley, as the name suggests, is where two roof planes join together. Roof leaks are more likely to occur in valleys than any other weak spot. You will see water in your home if the flashing along your roof valley is damaged or not installed properly.

Your Vent Booting Is Cracked –

Roof vents are essential for a healthy roof. They allow warm air to escape and remove excess moisture from your loft space. Lack of roof ventilation can lead to dampness, condensation, molds, and other problems. Each vent is surrounded by a seal. However, over time and exposure to the sun and wind, these seals can crack or chip, and water can enter through any cracks in these seals. You can identify if a roof vent is leaking by looking for dark spots under the seals, which indicates moisture ingress.

Lack of maintenance –

Lack of maintenance is another major cause of roof leaks. Remember to clean out your gutters and get rid of any debris that may be on your roof. It is common for leaves, sticks, dirt, and other debris to get caught in gutters. If this debris is built up on your roof, it can block the flow of rainwater or melting snow. It will cause puddles to form and allow water to seep into your house.

Damaged Roofing Membranes –

Your roof tiles and slates are your first line of defense, but there is always the possibility that they could be damaged. Breathing membranes, such as roof underlays, are made to withstand small amounts of moisture and transport it to your guttering. However, excessive pooling water can cause problems such as the underlay rotting or tearing, and persistent leaks whenever it rains.

Poor installation –

Sometimes, roofs leak because the contractor did not install them correctly or use low-quality materials. Contractors who drag items onto the roof caps without protecting them can also cause damage. Working on a roof carelessly could also damage the roof as they are not designed to bear the weight of a human being. Walking on the roof can easily cause cracks in the roof tiles and lead to future leaks.

Age of Roof –

The primary reason for a leaky roof is often that the roofing materials have outlived their useful life. Although most roof tiles can last decades, their protection level will eventually deteriorate and they are more susceptible to water ingress.

Hidden Damage Occurred Due To Roof Leaks

A roof leak can cause invisible damage, which is one of the greatest problems. The water that leaks from roofs can get between your walls and cause mold and mildew to quickly grow. How can you tell that this is happening? It is possible to smell a musty odor or notice a stain on the walls. At this moment consulting an adjuster can be a huge help, they’ll take readings using a moisture meter to find out what’s hiding within your walls and ceilings.

How can I get a roof damage inspection free of charge?

If you discover a leaking roof and want to know the extent of damage to claim your roof or water damage insurance claim, you can consider hiring a licensed public insurance claim adjuster. When you have a licensed public adjuster from a reputed claim adjusting firm like ClaimsPro USA to inspect your home, you’ll not only get a fair estimate for your roof damage but also get assistance in your claim negotiation.

Roof leaks can be caused by multiple factors. Our public adjusters will help you to understand your policy and negotiate the best settlement possible. The inspection is totally free and carried out by licensed public adjusters in Florida.

In addition to a free thorough inspection, ClaimsPro USA’s certified public adjusters are skilled in navigating the process of filing an insurance claim for property damage. We can help you not only assess any damage you have but also the only licensed professionals legally permitted to represent you in your property insurance case. We are the experts and we are on your side.

If you suspect that your roof is damaged or has already begun to leak. Schedule your free inspection today!