Roof leaks are more common than most people realize, but unfortunately, they are often overlooked because they are not in an easy area to spot. Our mid-Missouri roofing company gets a lot of calls from customers that found out the hard way that they had a leaky roof, due to horrible damage to their home. If you are aware of the things that could cause a roof to leak, you may be able to stop a problem before it happens. 

The staff at Midwest Renovation are experts in knowing what to look for and making repairs to keep your home safe and secure. Here are a few of the most common reasons we find leaks in roofs. Some seem obvious, but there are a few that may surprise you.

Shingle Damage
Roofs are installed to handle a lot and last a long time, but years of exposure to the elements will eventually take its toll. If you have a home that was built a very long time ago, there is also the risk that the shingles used back then were not up to the higher standards of today. Replacing cracked or damaged shingles may save you from having to replace an entire roof. Even if the problem is as simple as an exposed nail, the hole from that dislodged nail is a place for water to start seeping into the house.  

Damaged Roof Flashing
Flasing is a thin piece of metal that covers a transition point in a roof, creating a water-resistant barrier. This can crack or corrode over time, which means the flashing can't do the job it was meant to do. Checking it regularly will alert you of any wear and tear before it's too late.  

Bad Seals On Skylights and Vents
Skylights, if not measured exactly, can be a problem due to improper installation. The insulation can also decay over time. If you notice water filling more easily than usual at the downhill slope, a leak may be beginning to form. The seals around the vents in the top of your roof also run the risk of decaying from their exposure to natural elements. 

Cracked Chimney
A chimney is an actual giant hole in your roof. Precautions are taken to keep outside elements out of it, but over time those may not help enough. Bad flashing is the most common reason that a chimney can leak, but the mortar used to hold it together can crack over time, letting in small amounts of water which eventually lead to large amounts of water if not fixed. 

Gutter Problems
Gutters are put in place to keep water away from your roof, but if not taken care of properly, they can do more damage than good. Not clearing out debris that has collected in your gutters will cause water to back up, and with nowhere else to go, it will flow towards your roof. Pooling water will eventually find it's way into small cracks. Don't think this is only a problem in autumn when leaves are falling. Water in the winter can freeze, causing ice dams which also block gutter flow and can even cause cracks. 



Getting up on the top of your roof isn't always the easiest task for a homeowner, and it could be dangerous. Instead, give Midwest Renovation a call and let us check for damage for you. Our storm damage inspectors are highly trained and certified, and our inspections are always free and completed at no obligation to you. 

If a problem is found, we will discuss the options that our trusted renovation company in mid-Missouri can offer to get your roof back in excellent shape, keeping your home or business dry and safe. Check back next week to find out about the dangers that a leaky roof can cause.   



Jefferson City, MO 65109