General Contractor Lic #CGC1519003 - Mold Remediation Lic #MRSR2344

From finding a brown spot on your ceiling to rushing to get buckets to catch the water dripping from your ceiling, roof leaks are a major inconvenience to homeowners. Roof leaks will wreak havoc on your home’s structure, including the attic, roof, and walls. Not only will it ruin the inside of your house, but also the structure of your home that will require some maintenance. Gainesville restoration company, Maven Construction Group is here to help give you some common reasons as to why your roof might be leaking.

Contact us today to request a restoration estimate, or for more information about roof damage and our residential and commercial reconstruction services.

Broken Or Missing Shingles

Shingles protect your roof from the outside elements and help water run off the roof and into the gutters. Though, if any of these shingles are compromised it may allow leaks. Missing shingles can be caused by high winds and heavy rains or by poor installation and workmanship. You can check for missing shingles caused by storm and wind damage by looking for different-hued patches on your roof, though sometimes a professional may be required to inspect it.

Aged Roofing Materials

One of the largest causes of roof leaks is that the roof has reached the end of its lifespan. The different types of materials can impact how long your roof will last. Over time, roofing can become brittle and begin to deteriorate. Damage or neglect can also shorten the life of your roof. If the homeowner knows that their roof is getting older or they haven’t maintained it, the leak can be caused by a normal breakdown due to old age. Harsh weather and sunlight can also make it easier for water to get in.

Holes In The Roof

While it may be obvious if there is a hole in the roof nothing is stopping the water from flowing right into the homeowner’s house. Removing items from your roofs, such as antenna or satellite dishes, can leave behind holes where they were anchored to the roof. Misplaced roofing nails can also cause leaks. Holes in your roof can lead to roof material damage, mold and mildew, and access for wildlife to get in.

Cracked Vent Booting

A vent boot is a waterproofing material that is used to close spaces between plastic vent pipes that protrude from the roof and the roofing material. The boot’s main job is to stop water from following the pipe down through your roof and into the home, and when there is a crack, water can leak into anywhere the pipe is located. Though they don’t last as long as the roof, the boots should last around 10 years depending on location, weather, and wildlife. The easiest way to fix these leaks is to install a rubber collar over the old pipe boot.

Damaged Valleys

A valley is the “V” where two sloping roofs meet. These can be punctured or damaged either accidentally from personnel or roofers stepping on them or if maintenance on your roof has been neglected. A buildup of debris could cause water build-ups or leaks. Shallow roofs or flat roofs have a higher chance of leaks as water can pool up on the roofing material. Fixing valleys must be done by a restoration services professional because it is under layers of your roof and can cause more damage the longer it goes unchecked.

Cracked Roof Features

Features like vents, skylights, and chimneys can create the potential for leaking. If those features aren’t properly installed, there could be gaps where water can seep into the house. If they are properly installed, they should be sealed and watertight, though they may need to be resealed over time to keep them protected. Skylights may let in leaks if the hole doesn’t match the skylight size exactly, and the insulation can also deteriorate over time. Missing chimney mortar and holes are potential leak causes.

Condensation In Attic

When there is poor ventilation or lack of proper insulation, condensation can build up in an attic and cause water damage and leaks into the home. It can also happen with extreme temperature changes that can add to condensation. If there are any signs of mold or mildew and there is a strong musty odor from your attic, there could be a leak up there. Sometimes there will be a thriving colony of mold that will require mold removal.

Blocked Gutters

As water runs down the roof and into your home’s gutters, debris such as leaves and sticks can get trapped. Cleaning out your gutters regularly can stop water from building up onto the roof, where it can get pushed under the shingles and cause leaks. Roofs are not designed to hold pooled water for long because the weight of the water will force damage to the structure of the roof and cause a leak. Maven Construction Group recommends cleaning your gutters three times a year.

Damaged Flashings

Flashings are thin pieces of metal installed under shingles and on the joints of the roof to create a water-resistant barrier. These can be exposed or concealed. Damage to flashings usually happens when the tar used to seal them corrode over time. The metal can crack or otherwise get damaged and let water in.


Trusted, Experienced Professionals

Locally owned and operated in Gainesville, FL, Maven Construction Group is a licensed general contractor, Angie’s List Certified Contractor, and is accredited and A-rated by the Better Business Bureau. Maven has delivered the best damage restoration and reconstruction services in North Central Florida for more than 15 years.

Certified General Contractor Lic # CGC1519003 Certified Mold Remediation Lic # MRSR2344