We are about to enter the rainy season here in Los Angeles County–which means, don’t forget your umbrella and keep an eye on your roof! If your roof is brand new, then you most likely don’t need to worry about roof leaks. But if your roof has lived up to its lifespan and is entering its next decade, then you better be prepared for roof leaks.
One way of combatting leaks in Los Angeles is the old and gold bucket-under-the-leak technique, but it’s just a temporary solution. To completely eliminate the leaks, you first need to understand and determine the cause, the source. So, if you want a leak-free roof for years to come, then keep reading to find out the 5 most common sources of roof leaks.
Source #1: Damaged Shingles
If you have an old roof in the Los Angeles area, then you first need to check your shingles. Throughout time, asphalt shingles can become weary and get dislocated. If the shingles are lifting and not properly covering your roof, then water can easily pass through the wood underneath and result in leaks in your ceiling.
Source #2: Cracked Flashing
Besides old roofing material causing leaks, another point of concern on a roof can be the roof flashing. Flashing are the pieces of metal at the joint of your roof. Flashing creates a water-resistant layer, but if it’s old and damaged, it loses its water resistance and allows water to enter your house.
The only way you can fix this is by replacing the old flashing with new ones. The good news is you may not have to replace the entire roof, but instead, simply locate which flashing is causing leaks, and replace that piece and the surrounding area.
Source #3: Skylights
Some homeowners absolutely love having skylights. Skylights add a special detail to the house. But during rainy and snowy days, your skylight can turn into a primary source of leaks, if it wasn’t installed properly. The good news is that if your skylight is the cause of the leak, then you can spot it really quickly and fix just that area without needing a full reroof.
Source #4: Clogged Gutters
Gutters help to get the water off your roof, and if they aren’t performing that function correctly, then rainwater will stay on the roof and inevitably cause leaks. Especially during the fall season when leaves are always falling, gutters get clogged with very easily. We recommend cleaning out your roofing gutters at least once a year before the fall and winter seasons to make sure they are prepared to work correctly when the rainy season arrives.
Source #5: Broken Chimney
The chimney is basically a big hole on your roof and a perfect place for water to pool. If that water stays there for too long, then it can seep into your house. If you see leaks on your ceiling or walls, then keep in mind that chimneys can cause it too, so check them as well.
Now that you know where to look, your task becomes easier. You don’t have to inspect the whole roof to find the leak spot, look at the common places first. And if you need a licensed roofing contractor in Los Angeles to fix a leak issue, then give Roof Repair Specialist a call today!
