5 common causes of roof leaks

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn what might be causing small leaks and how to avoid them turning into expensive repairs. 

One of the hardest parts of dealing with a roof leak is that’s it’s not always obvious. Many leaks start out small and can be difficult to identify. But just because the leak is small doesn't mean it’s not a problem. Even the smallest roof leak can allow water to enter a structure and cause issues ranging from ugly stains to electrical hazards and mold growth. And the longer a leak goes unrepaired the worse that damage will be – both for your home or building’s structure stability and for your wallet.  

To help you understand how to catch roof leaks early when they are still small, the experts at KPost Roofing and Waterproofing have put together a list of five common sources of roof leaks and what the signs to look out for are.  

1 – Shingle issues 

If your home or building has an asphalt shingle roof, weather conditions and time will naturally wear on the roof, often resulting in damaged or missing shingles. This might seem like a small issue, but that damaged spot leaves the roof deck exposed – creating a perfect place for wind-driven rain to penetrate your roofing system.  

To avoid this, make sure to have regular maintenance performed on your roof. Often a missing or damaged shingle is not visible from the ground, so having professionals come out to look is ideal. They will also have tools needed to reseal or repair this type of small damage – saving you a big headache down the line.  

2 – Flashing wear and tear 

Another part of your roof that will naturally wear down over time is flashing. Flashing is material that is put around roof penetrations (such as chimneys, skylights and vents) that creates a watertight seal over the transition area. Wear on flashing looks like loosening, cracking and corroding, all of which can lead to leaks.  

Flashing is often installed beneath shingles and siding, making it easy for damage to go unnoticed for long periods. Because of this, it is important to have professionals come out for routine inspections where they evaluate the state of your roof’s flashing. 

3 – Clogged gutters 

The gutters on your home or building are key for moving water off the roof efficiently. If they get clogged, water backs up and can even sit on the roof, leading to damage due to rot. And when this damage affects something like your fascia board, it can lead to water intrusion underneath the shingles and eventually leaks.  

Avoiding this issue is as simple as keeping your gutters clean. This is something many homeowners do using a ladder themselves, but also something that you can hire someone to do if you do not feel comfortable working at heights. And besides helping keep your roof healthy, clean gutters avoid overflows that damage other parts of your home – like the siding and the foundation. 

4 – Failing seals 

In addition to flashing, there are often rubber seals that are installed around roof vents in particular. As time passes, these seals can dry out, crack and fail. A failed seal often results in water leaks and is unfortunately often missed as the internal damage starts in the attic crawl spaces, an area that is not as visible to many people. 

But the good news is that seals are another thing professionals should be looking at in routine inspections on your home! They will inspect the seals on the roof and if they see signs of any damage, they can investigate further in the attic to catch any possible leaks early.  

5 – Nail pops 

Another common source of small leaks is nail pops. A nail pop refers to when a fastener pushes up (or pops through) the shingles. This is often due to natural roof movement or temperature fluctuations. When fasteners are exposed like this, it leaves a small opening on the shingle where water can seep into the roof system.  

Again, having a professional look at your roof is key as this is an issue that is not visible from the ground. Further, the holes left by nail pops will grow larger over time with exposure to more roof movement and the elements, making it key to have a professional resecure the fasteners sooner rather than later.  

Learn more about the common causes of roof leaks here.