Have you noticed mould or stains on your roof or water streaks down your walls? Or even worse, you see droplets or water flowing from these areas. You most probably have a leak. Leaking roofs are common in Sydney as we experience costal rainfall on a regular basis. Identifying the root cause of a leak can be a difficult task so we encourage you to get expert advice. But here are possible causes for your leak:
Aging Materials
This is the most common and obvious cause for roof leaks. Unfortunately, roofs don’t last forever and once the materials age beyond their expectancy they begin to break down. Even metal roofing will deteriorate with wear and tear while being constantly exposed to the elements. If your roof is approaching 20+ years, it might be worth having a qualified roofer inspect for any tell tail signs of deterioration.
Penetrations
When building a roof there are a number of penetrations such as skylights, chimneys, vent pipes, air conditioning units and exhausts. These are all important and unavoidable to the home but compromise the natural waterproof nature of a roof as it requires holes to be cut from the roof. If the sealants and flashings around these penetrations are not installed or maintained properly, there is potential for water to leak into these areas. Leaf blockages can also be a cause of leaking in these areas. Don’t forget that the lifespan of a skylight is usually less than the roof, so old and rusty skylights will leak and need replacement.
Flashings
Flashings are sections of folded metal installed over joins in the roof construction to prevent water seeping in and causing damage. It can take a bit of delicacy and skill to install these so they are fully water tight, and if this is faulty or substandard, water may seep into the roof cavity.
Ridge Capping
The bedding and pointing under tile ridge capping crack over time and water can seep through. There are three main things that can happen if the ridge capping is faulty or just aged: The water seeping in can pool behind the bedding (if it is sealed to the roof tile) on the tile and eventually overflow into the roof cavity; it can run along the back of the bedding, find a drainage path along a tile and seep out; or it can run along the back of the bedding and NOT find a drainage path, resulting in a leak.
Valleys
The roof valley is the “V” created where two sloping roofs meet and channel rainfall run off down to lower perimeter gutters. The valley can be compromised by accidental damage from stepping on them or if maintenance is neglected, as build up of debris can cause water build up and leaks. Additionally, high wind velocity and large volumes of rain can allow excess water to shoot over the edge of older valleys. In the old days they used galvanised metal in valleys, which have a 20 to 30 year lifespan. Therefore rusted valleys are quite common in Sydney.
Gutters
If your gutters are full of debris they will not function as they were designed to. If the water can’t drain efficiently, overflow can lead to damage and leaks. It is recommended to do regular maintenance to ensure your gutters are free from any blockages. Internal box gutters can be problematic if not designed and installed properly. If they are in locations where leaf debris can accumulate this can cause blockages leading to internal leaks.
Box gutters or ‘internal gutters’ can be problematic if not installed with 100% accuracy. Eave gutters have majority of the overflow outside the building. Whereas, box gutters have a much higher risk of overflowing into internal spaces. If water can’t drain effectively it may pool and lead to rusting, thus leading to leaks. It is recommended to get your box gutters checked once a year.
Rust (Metal Roofs)
Rust is one of the most common causes of roof leaks as metal naturally goes through oxidisation and breaks down over time. It is therefore important to make regular inspections and monitor the conditions of your metal roof. What may start off as a slight discolouration can develop into a serious problem over time. If you notice substantial rust it is best to replace those areas to ensure you don’t develop any leaks.
Broken Roof Tiles
Roof tiles do not usually break by themselves. There are a number of elements that can cause tiles to break, including fallen branches, children’s balls or toys, or foot traffic. It is always worth having spare tiles handy to replace any that are broken.
Ventilation
Improper ventilation in rooms where there is high moisture (such as bathrooms, kitchens and sunrooms) can cause moisture build up, which in time, can trigger serious damage. Water damage occurs when moisture builds up on the under side of the roof sheets and travels to internal spaces. This can then lead to mould, mildew, stains and/or watermarks. You can avoid these problems by ensuring adequate ventilation. There are also anti-condensation blankets that can be installed on the underside of the sheets to aid in prevention.
Pests
Pests that get into your roof are often responsible for damage to your property, and thus, can lead to leaks. Firstly, if there are possums or rodents entering your roof then there is an access point that would be the perfect place for water to enter. Possums and rodents like to chew and could possibly chew through insulation or plumbing. If those elements are damaged it can lead to leaks.
What Next?
If you are concerned about a leaky roof, or looking for leak prevention advice or maintenance, please don’t hesitate to give us a call and have a chat with one of our friendly roofing experts on 0491 626 595.