Top Causes of Roof Leaks and the Damage They Cause

Strong winds, hail, and age can crack, lift, or pull shingles away from your roof. Once a shingle is loose, rain can slip underneath and travel along the deck, entering your home far from the visible gap. You might notice a damp spot on a ceiling that does not line up with the obvious damage.

Over time, sun exposure makes shingles brittle, and the adhesive strips under them lose their grip. If you spot a few loose or missing shingles, act quickly to have them replaced. Waiting through another storm can turn a small repair into a soaked attic and stained walls.

• Cracked or curled shingles
• Missing shingles after a storm
• Loose adhesive strips
• Granules collecting in gutters
• Visible daylight from the attic

Gutters full of leaves and debris force rainwater to back up and overflow under the shingles. That water can soak the roof deck and drip into your attic or along the eaves. Stagnant water in a clogged gutter also adds weight that can pull the gutter away from the roof.

Cleaning gutters twice a year helps, especially after heavy leaf fall. In rainy climates, regular gutter checks are a smart habit. A pro can also install gutter guards to reduce the buildup.

In a humid subtropical climate with hot rainy summers and an Atlantic hurricane season, roofs face intense downpours and high winds. Storm damage can include lifted shingles, torn flashing, or even a fallen branch that punctures the deck. Ponding water, where rain collects in low spots, can also work its way under shingles and into the structure.

After a severe storm, walk around your home and look for debris, sagging areas, or water stains inside. If you see any signs, have a pro check the roof before the next rain. Catching storm damage early saves you from bigger water problems later.