If you live in Euclid or Cleveland, you know that the roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects against rain and snow, keeps out heat and cold, and allows you to enjoy a comfortable living space. However, if roofs are not installed correctly or maintained properly, they need a roof repair or roof replacement immediately.
Ken’s Parkhill Roofing has been specializing in roof repair since 1994, so our roofing company has seen it all. Learn the most common causes of roof leaks in Euclid and Cleveland to prevent a disaster before it happens.
Are you in need of roof repair or roof replacement in your Euclid or Cleveland area home? Contact us or call (216) 381-7414 today!
Improper slope
The slope of your roof is an essential part of your roof functioning correctly, and if you need roof repair. A slope of 3/12 or less is ideal. If the roof’s slope is too steep, water will run off the shingles and pool on the ground below. On the other hand, if your roof slopes too shallow for good drainage purposes—and this can be determined by measuring its rise (the distance from one side of your building to another) with a tape measure—water may collect on top of your home’s walls.
Improper flashing
Flashing is a metal or plastic piece that is placed over the top of a roof to protect it from water. It’s installed at the edges of your roof, around vents, chimneys, and pipes at the edges of your roof.
When it comes to maintenance and roof repair, flashing should be inspected regularly by an experienced professional because it can become damaged by wear and tear or erosion over time.
Sealant failure
Sealants are used to seal the joints between roofing materials. They’re usually made of asphalt, hot tar, or rubber. For a roof replacement, however, the most common type is asphalt-based, and it comes in two types: liquid or powder. The liquid form is applied as a thin layer that dries to form a hard film on the surface of your roofing material. This can be done with a brush or sprayer, depending on what kind of sealant you use:
- A brush-on formula will allow for easy application by hand; however, this tends to leave behind some undesirable odor if left on too long before being rinsed off. We recommend using this only during bad weather conditions when weather delays drying times (e.g., heavy rain).
- A spray-on formula requires less effort than brushing because it allows more control over how much goes where. However, this may still require rinsing afterward if used near open windows where the wind could blow away excess moisture from underneath your shingles, causing mini leaks!
Poor quality shingles
It is essential to know the difference between shingles that are either failing or underlayment when considering roof repairs. Shingles are made from wood, while shakes are typically made from asphalt or fiberglass. Shakes tend to be more durable than shingles and fit better under the eaves of the house, but they can also be more expensive.
Shakes are often used on older homes with low-slope roofs that have been improperly installed or covered over time by snowfall or ice accumulation (like those seen on houses built during World War II). This type of roofing material has been found to deteriorate over time as it gets to a wetter and colder time of the year. This can lead to tears appearing along one side where moisture seeps through—and then leaks start appearing.
Poor installation techniques
Poor installation techniques can lead to leaks. Improper installation of shingles or flashing is a common cause of leaks, and it’s important that you know if you need a roof replacement.
A roof replacement should be considered if you see any of the following:
-Wet insulation, ceilings, or walls.
-Broken tiles or shingles.
-Excessive algae growth on the roof surface.
Proper installation and roof repair require the use of the correct type of shingles for your roof, as well as an appropriate size for each one. The number of nails or staples per shingle should also be adjusted based on the thickness of your roofing material and its weight rating (the more heavy-duty it is, the fewer nails or staples will be needed).
Improper ventilation
If you have a ventilation system, this is another possible cause of roof leaks. It is important to know that the vents in your roof are designed to allow air into the attic space, so when they’re clogged or damaged by snow and ice building up on them over time, it can lead to water leaking through them.
To check if there’s any damage happening with your ventilation system, look for signs like rusting metal parts or cracked plastic tubing that might indicate issues with how air flows through it. One of the best ways to fix this problem is through roof replacement. For example, a durable membrane like EPDM prevents moisture from entering your attic or garage. Even an asphalt shingle roof replacement may help minimize future leaks.
Learn more about our roofing repair and replacement services
With the right tools, you can find and fix your leaky roof. A licensed contractor will be able to inspect your roof for these problems and fix it quickly. If you’re in need of a roof replacement and want to find out more about how we can help your Cleveland home or Euclid, contact us or call (216) 381-7414.
