After installing a new roof, the last thing a homeowner wants to see is a water leak. This issue has many potential causes, from improper installation to faulty materials. If your new roof starts to leak, it’s important to understand the common causes of roof leaks and take the necessary steps to fix them.
1. Incorrectly Sized or Damaged Flashing
Flashing helps protect against water damage and leaks in areas where the roof meets walls or other obstructions, such as chimneys and vents. If the flashing isn’t properly sized or installed correctly, it can lead to serious issues, including costly water damage from leaks.
Additionally, if the flashing gets damaged during installation, it can also contribute to leaks. It’s essential to have properly sized and installed flashing and inspect the flashing for any damage.
2. Improperly Installed Shingles
A roofer should install shingles starting at the bottom of the roof and working their way up. Each row of shingles should overlap the row below it by at least two inches.
If the shingles are not installed correctly, water can get under them and into your home. Additionally, if the shingles are uneven or not nailed down properly, water can get in between the shingles and your roof decking, leading to further damage.
3. Incorrectly Sized or Placed Roof Vent
Vent placement is critical for proper airflow. If these vents are not installed correctly air can escape through gaps or holes, resulting in wet spots on your ceiling. During the roof installation, a roofer will cut the vents into the roof to provide proper air circulation and ventilation. If these vents are not large enough or in a spot that can’t be properly sealed, water will seep into the roof and cause leaks.
Additionally, the roofer should place vents away from areas where precipitation is more likely to accumulate, such as the valleys of your roof. If water gets into these spots and does not have a proper exit point, it can easily damage your new roof.
4. Poor Attic Insulation
If your home has inadequate insulation, warm air can escape through your roof and cause condensation on the underside of your roof decking. This moisture can eventually seep into your shingles or other roof materials, resulting in leaks that can damage your new roof and any items stored inside the attic space.
To prevent this from happening, ensure that you have enough insulation installed throughout all areas of the attic before installing a new roof. Additionally, check for any air gaps or cracks around windows or doors leading to the attic that may allow outside air to enter and reduce efficiency levels even further.
5. Poor Ventilation
Your attic should be well-ventilated to allow heat and moisture to escape. Without proper ventilation in your attic, heat and moisture can build up and cause problems such as mold growth or wood rot. Additionally, this buildup of heat and moisture can cause shingles to warp or curl, creating gaps that allow water to enter your home and cause a leak.
Poor ventilation can also make your roof more susceptible to damage caused by high winds and storms. Installing adequate vents, such as ridge vents or soffit vents, can help to keep your attic well-ventilated and reduce the likelihood of a leak.
6. Weather-related Damage
Sometimes, your roof can become damaged from weather-related incidents without you even knowing. Hail of any size, wind, and debris from storms can cause damage to new and old roofs, alike. Leaks can occur immediately or can develop as damage evolves. So, it’s best to have a professional get up on your roof for a roofing inspection and take a look if you suspect weather-related damage.
Steps to Take If Your New Roof is Leaking
If you suspect that your roof might be leaking, there are a few actions that you should take right away. These include:
- Call your roofing contractor
- Take pictures of any damage
- Check the roof warranty paperwork
- Consider filing a homeowner’s insurance claim
- Clean the area around the leak inside the house by storing any valuables.
If you’re in or around Marietta, GA and have recently had your roof replaced with new signs of leaks, you can count on Transformation Roofing & Home Services to find the problem. At Transformation Roofing & Home Services, we provide comprehensive roof repair services such as shingle replacement, flashing installation, leak detection, and more. We ensure you get the best out of your new roofing system. Contact Transformation Roofing & Home Services today to get a new roof installed professionally and affordably.
