There is nothing more frustrating than rushing into your home to escape heavy rain only to discover that water is dripping from the ceiling. As a seasoned roofing company in Tulsa, we have years of hands-on experience that allows us to confidently tell you this is a common problem many homeowners face. The good news? Roof leaks can easily be repaired in most cases, but it is still important to understand why they happen in the first place.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks
The Tulsa climate is often unforgiving. With extreme heat in the summer and unpredictable sleet in the winter, there is no shortage of potential damage sources for your roof. Over the last 20 years we have seen just about any problem that a homeowner could have. Let’s break down some of the most common reasons that your roof might be leaking.
- Damaged Shingles – Perhaps the most common cause of roof leaks is that the shingles have become worn-out or damaged. In time, shingles will crack, curl, or loosen due to sun exposure, high wind, extreme temperatures, and normal wear and tear. Once these problems begin, water can start to seep beneath the shingles and into your underlayment.
- Missing Flashing – The residential roofing team at RainTech Roofing, Sheet Metal & Gutters has traced back many leaky roofs to the lack of flashing used in high-water areas – like skylights, chimneys, or vents. Flashing that is installed improperly can often corrode and create gaps that allow water to penetrate the underlayment.
- Clogged Gutters – Although most homeowners don’t think of their gutters as a part of their roofing system, the two work together to ensure water is diverted to the proper areas. Sometimes, homeowners don’t even realize their gutters are clogged until they start overflowing. This makes regular maintenance or investing in a gutter protection system critical.
- Aged Roofing Materials – Roofing materials are designed to last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, but this is heavily dependent on the climate, installation quality, shingle type, and maintenance. One sign that the shingles aren’t properly protecting your home is that they will have a sheen in the sunlight. This is the exposed fiberglass which will actively absorb any water that sits on it.
Signs of a Roof Leak
In many instances, the signs of a leaking roof might not be obvious. We often have customers call who notice water spots on their ceiling; however, this occurs weeks after the initial leak begins. As you might expect, the quicker you can pinpoint leaks, the easier and cheaper they will be to repair. Over the years, we have seen countless homes where a small leak led to far larger issues, like rotting wood or mold growth.
Anytime your walls or ceiling begin to sag, this is considered a serious red flag. When this happens, it means that water has pooled inside the drywall, ultimately weakening the structure. If you are experiencing this, don’t wait to get it checked! The weight of the water can lead the ceiling to completely collapse and cause significant indoor water damage and remediation efforts.
Standing water will always find a way to keep moving due to its molecular structure. This means water won’t just sit on your ceiling until it seeps through, but it could also soak into your roof decking, support beams, and attic. If you develop a musty smell in your home or see visible mold outside of bathroom areas, there’s a good chance you have a roof leak somewhere that contributes to higher moisture levels.
Need Help with a Roof Leak Repair? Call RainTech Roofing, Sheet Metal & Gutters
Roof leaks are not a problem you can ignore. Any time moisture is making its way through the protective barriers that your roof provides, you are putting your home’s integrity and safety at risk. Whether you are experiencing unknown odors or just want the peace of mind that your roof is working as intended, our experience roofing professionals can help with a free roof inspection.
As a trusted Tulsa roofing company, RainTech Roofing, Sheet Metal & Gutters specializes in commercial roofing, residential roofing, guttering, and more. As a full-service company, we work to provide comprehensive services for all things related to your roof. Ready to take the next step? Reach out to us today at (918) 449-1474 to schedule your free, no-obligation expert consultation.
