Anatomy Of A Roof Leak

A Roof Leak

Anatomy Of A Roof Leak

A roof leak. So many awful things come with it. Nobody wants to hear the dreaded “drip drizzle drip” sound that indicates a leak. You might also notice a large dark spot in the ceiling when you look up. However, when you see a leaky roof, your first thoughts will be “How did it happen?” and “Where is it coming from?” Knowing the answers to these questions is key to quickly fixing the problem and possibly even avoiding the future. 

 Kennedy Roofing has the experience and expertise to replace or repair your roof with quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. All our roofs are backed by a 15-year leak-free guarantee, the highest in the industry. We have been family-owned and operated for over 40 years. We service a multitude of areas in West Central Florida including Anna Maria Island, Plant City,  Apollo Beach, Bradenton, Brandon, and Seffner, Ellenton, Gibsonton, Longboat Key, North Port, Port Charlotte, Valrico,  Punta Gorda, Riverview, Sarasota, Sun City Center, Tampa Bay, Venice, Lake Whales, and all points in between! All our roofs are backed by a 15-year leak-free guarantee, the highest in the industry.

Our Owens Corning shingle roofs are backed by a 50-Year Platinum Warranty that includes materials and labor. While most of our business is residential, we also handle commercial roofing projects. Kennedy are experts at repairing roofs and are your go-to choice when suspecting a roof leak.

How does a roof leak start?

A leak can occur in one of two ways. There are many types of damage and deterioration, which may not be obvious. These are some of the most common problems for Florida homes.

Storm damage

This is likely to be the most obvious cause of roof leakage and one of the most prevalent in Florida because it’s surrounded by water. There are many ways that a Florida roof could be damaged by high winds from tropical storms or Hurricanes. Storm damage can be as subtle as a tree falling through your roof. Sometimes, damage may not be obvious right away. Flashing can cause damage to a house from hurricane-force winds. This can lead eventually to water damage or leaks. Tropical storms can bring down limbs, which can lead to a hole in your roof. Gutter damage can be caused by torrential rain.

This type of damage may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. However, you must identify the problem and file a claim promptly. You should inspect your home after every major storm for damage to the roof. You should contact a licensed roofing company if you suspect that there may be damage. They will inspect your property and give you any estimates for insurance purposes.

Clogged gutters

Roof leaks can be caused by clogged gutters. However, they are one of the easiest to prevent. Clogged gutters can cause water to build up under the roof and eventually cause damage. A problem with your gutters could be the cause of dark spots around the outside edges of your house. This issue can be avoided by cleaning your gutters or having them cleaned by professionals 3-4 times per year.

Condensation

A leak can occur inside your home without causing any damage to your roof. Condensation buildup in the attic can lead to interior leaks. This can happen if there isn’t enough ventilation or insulation to prevent temperature changes, which is quite common in Florida. Condensation buildup can cause leaks and lead to mold and mildew. This type of leak can be avoided by ensuring proper ventilation and insulation are installed in your attic as well as along your roofline.

Flashing broken or missing

Flashing is as important to roof integrity as shingles. It’s the metal covering joints and seams of a roof. When flashing isn’t properly installed and sealed, water can get into the roof decking and cause damage. Flashing can be blown away or moved if it is not properly attached. Flashing ages like shingles and can also become corroded or cracked. This could allow water into your home. After every storm, make sure to inspect any flashing that is visible from the ground. If you suspect that there are problems with your flashing, Kennedy will inspect it.

Deterioration

Your roof may be nearing the end or leaking if it is deteriorating. Each roof has a life expectancy, but it can vary depending on the material. Traditional asphalt shingles last 20 years. Metal roofing can last 50 years or longer while fiber cement shingles last for 30 to 30 years. They can become more fragile as they age and may crack or warp, which allows water to penetrate. Even in a mild storm, they may fall off much more easily. It’s best to replace your roof when you are certain it is past its useful life.

What should you do if your roof leaks

It’s time for professionals to come in when there is a leak. Do-it-yourself roof repairs can prove dangerous and can lead to more damage, or even void your material warranties. Consider waterproofing your roof after a repair to further protect it. You can prevent damage from a leak by contacting Kennedy as soon as possible.

 

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