Roof Leaks in Grand Rapids Michigan: Why They Happen

Having a leak in your roof is as much of a problem as it is an inconvenience. Dealing with the mess that it leaves behind is only step one. The next step is determining what caused the roof leak on your home. If your roof continuously develops small leaks, this could mean that there is a bigger problem at hand. Getting a roof contractor in Grand Rapids Michigan to inspect the roof and look for problems can help to eliminate many of these problems. You may also need a completely new roof installed depending on the roof damage that you have. In any case, learning what causes those problems and roof leaks can help you better understand your options and what you can do to prevent them which we’ll cover here.

Roof Leaks in Grand Rapids Michigan: Why They Happen

A roof leak can occur for a variety of reasons. When your roof starts leaking it can lead to all sorts of other problems. Some of the problems can quickly be seen such as damaged walls and ceilings and stains on them. However, there are other problems that may be happening which you may not be aware of such as saturated insulation which affects energy efficiency as well as mold growth in the home. Having a roof leak in Grand Rapids Michigan can cause problems that you certainly don’t want in your home. These are some of the most common causes of leaks in the average household:

1. Age of Your Roof

Your home is going to age, and that is okay. What matters most is that you stay on top of all of your routine maintenance. Get your roof inspected every year, and perform your own self-checks regularly. A well maintained roof should last decades, and it will be less susceptible to leaks. If you notice any leaks that are starting to form, get them checked immediately. The sooner you act, the more likely you will simply have to re-shingle or patch instead of replacing the whole thing.

1. Material Durability

Just because you select a material that is supposed to be durable does not mean that it will be compatible with the slope of your roof. Many homeowners make the mistake of selecting the wrong type of material, and if it is not fastened correctly, it can form cracks or leaks during times of heavy wind. A roofing contractor in Grand Rapids Michigan will be able to help you make this decision. By taking the slope into consideration, you can then select a material that will be able to handle it.

1. Built Up Debris

Piles of leaves that collect on your roof can appear harmless from the outside, but these piles can often be dense and full of moisture. If you have areas of moisture just sitting on top of your roof, this can weigh it down and create leaks over time. If you cannot safely complete the task of raking the leaves off, you can contact a professional company to assist you. It is good to do this seasonally, especially right after Fall when most of the leaves will be gathering.

1. Clogged Gutters

One of the most bothersome tasks can be cleaning out your gutters — It is very important, though! All year round, you should make sure that you are doing regular maintenance to keep them clear of debris. Your gutters are your external drainage system, and if you let them get built up, that moisture will have nowhere to pour out. Before you have to shell out your savings account to get emergency roof repairs done, take on the tasks of cleaning out your gutters every few months.

If you stay aware of what causes roof leaks on your home, you will be much more prepared to handle one if it comes along. Remember, keeping up with maintenance can be tiring, but it will benefit your home in the future. Simple external observations could be enough to prevent last-minute total roof replacement in Grand Rapids Michigan. If you need a professional opinion, contact Grand Rapids Home Pros today! Our team of roofing experts would be happy to assist you with all of your roofing needs in Grand Rapids Michigan.