03 Mar Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind: Where Hidden Roof Leaks May Appear

As tempting as it may be to kick back, relax, and revel in the warming weather, there’s one little detail that should always be in the back of your mind during this time of year:

Storm season is around the corner.

Thus, as the impending rains threaten to dampen your fun in addition to your whole home, it’s important to know where you may accidentally overlook a leak. We recommend keeping the following in mind…

Your Roofing Vents

One of the most common areas of roofing leaks, your vents covers — also known as pipe boots — are liable to crack and leak without your knowledge, despite the fact that they’re actually designed to keep water out.

Specifically, pipe boots are precisely what they sound like: a protective material meant to cover the pipes and vents of your roof. However, with increased humidity, sun exposure, and other such destructive elements, they may eventually begin to crack, develop dry rot, or become vulnerable to weakened sealants.

That being said, pipe boots may be manufactured with a variety of materials, ranging from rubber to metal to flexible PVC. Thus, the overall strength and longevity of your boot may vary, making it important to have it regularly inspected.

Your Flashing

Another important component designed to enhance your roof’s defense against water penetration, your flashing protects your underlayment in addition to the weaker joints and angles inherent in your roofing structure.

And while it’s easy to notice a patch of slipping shingles or other blatant forms of storm damage, rotting and punctures are far more subtle and less likely to be noticed in a timely manner. Consequently, the water damage your property takes on before you even realize it’s there may become costly.

With that in mind, it’s important to know that flashing punctures can occur when your roof is buffeted by small bits of hail or even walked on while you fix an antenna or other rooftop structure. And, similarly to flashing rot, is the product of neglect in the wake of harsh sunlight and constant exposure to humidity.

Your Attic

While the attic may sound like an obvious place that you would notice a roofing leak, you’d be surprised how often the corners, crevices, and other shadowed areas of this space go overlooked.

In fact, a leak in your attic may be one of the first indications of flashing failure, gutter damage, fallen shingles, and more, meaning a moldy attic is a symptom of damage rather than the source.

Additionally, if you do not enter your attic often — or if it remains in a relatively constant state of darkness — it is more likely that you won’t realize that a leak has crept its way down and in.

For this reason, we recommend that you take a flashlight to look for reflective liquid surfaces in your roof or otherwise invest in an inspection. After all, committing to regular roofing inspections won’t just save you time and money in the long run; rather, it will also enhance your whole family’s safety in addition to the overall strength of your home!

Why leave your forever roof unprotected? Take your first step to preventing hidden leaks today by contacting Universal Roof & Contracting. Not only will you receive the nation’s best warranty and quality craftsmanship, but you’ll simply find that the difference is universal.

Learn more today by calling 855-ROOF-HELP!