A roof leak or leaking roof may seem too small of a problem to cause any major trouble. That’s what people think until the leak results in more horrible problems. You probably don’t think a few drops of rainwater from the ceiling will lead to troublesome restoration until you discover damaged insulation, rotten wooden framing, or mold infestation.
There are a number of causes of leaking roof on Maui, but whatever is causing should be fixed right away. Our roofing contractors have seen so many leaky roofing and have identified 5 common culprits.
1. Old Roofs
Any roofing material has its lifespan, but it’s not the age per se that causes problems. What weakens roofs over time is the repeated exposure to heat, cold, wind, rain, hail, and debris. Over the years, these factors contribute to the wear and tear of the materials. If your roof is more than 20 years old, you may see deterioration.
Old roofs usually have loose or cracked shingles. Once the shingles deteriorate, they expose the layer underneath to heat, wind, and rain. Worn and loose shingles don’t always indicate a need for roof replacement. Sometimes your roof may only need repairs, which cost much less than a replacement job. When properly done, repairs can add a few more years to your roof’s life.
2. Dislodged Nails
As one of the common causes of leaking roof on Maui, roofing nails fail for a number of reasons, such as bad roof construction or pre-existing defects. When nails fail or pop up, they leave tiny holes into which water can seep through. Most homeowners don’t notice small holes, but our roofing contractors at Pacific Roofing and Repair can. These pesky holes are a problem in Wailuku, Hawaii, where thunderstorms bring about heavy rains and strong winds. Wind drives rainwater into the underlying structures. This precedes water damage in the ceiling. Hence, discovering any loose structure on or in your roofing early on saves you from the trouble of having doing massive restoration or, worse, roof replacement too soon.
3. Damaged or Missing Flashing
Flashing is a material often made of galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper used in areas where opposing surfaces meet. Where the roof meets the chimney, adjoining wall, or another roof surface, you find the flashing. This material prevents water from getting into the ceiling, but it’s also susceptible to damage making it one of the causes of leaking roof on Maui. Fortunately, this damage often entails minor roof repair, one of the jobs we often do in Wailuku.
4. Warped or Cracked Vent Boots
Rubber boots work like flashing, preventing water from leaking in between surfaces. Just like the shingles and the flashing, rubber boots eventually succumb to years of exposure to heat, cold, and rain making it among the top causes of leaking roof on Maui. Cracked and distorted rubber boots no longer serve their purpose and should, therefore, be replaced.
5. Gutter Clog
Homeowners often neglect their gutters. Cleaning the gutters should be part of regular roofing maintenance, especially if you live around trees, which deposit leaves and twigs into the gutters. Debris in the gutters is considered one of the causes of leaking roof on Maui as it hampers proper drainage of rainwater, which may overflow during a downpour.
If you’re seeing signs of roof leaks or roof defects that are considered causes of leaking roof on Maui, don’t hesitate to call Pacific Roofing and Repair at 808-244-9412. We cater to homeowners of Wailuku, Hawai, and offer free consultation and provide reasonable quotes.