Even though your roof may not need repairs or replacement, it can still leak when it rains. A leak’s origin may not be easy to trace since water travels, so the leak could be several feet away from its source. Here are three common causes of roof leaks.
1. Roof Slope
The slope of your roof may be too shallow, which can cause heavy winds to lift shingles and allow water to get underneath them and leak into your house. The International Building Code requires a roof’s slope to be 2:12, which is two feet of rise for every 12” of span to install asphalt shingles. If it’s between 2:12 and 4:12, two layers of underlay are required. If your roof is leaking, have a roofer in Des Moines check the materials of the roof and how they were installed to see if it was done correctly.
2. Ridge Cap
A leak can occur along the ridge cap, which is located at the peak of the roof where the slopes meet. This area is covered by shingles, but can be damaged during roof repairs if the roofers use a rope and harness system for safety. The evidence of a leak originating from the ridge cap can usually be seen in the attic, so if you spot one, call a roofer for repairs immediately.
3. Excess Moisture
If there is a gutter from the upper roof level draining rainwater onto a lower one, it can become saturated and start leaking. Fortunately, this is an easy fix and may not require a Des Moines roofer. Just extend the downspout of the gutter to drain into another gutter or onto the ground.
A roofer can examine your roof for leaks, find the source, and recommend the best way to stop them to prevent damage to your home.
