What Is the #1 Cause of Roof Leaks in the Pacific NW?

The predominant cause of roof leaks is ultimately age. Roofs are slow to age, with even architectural asphalt shingles performing optimally for 25 to 30 years. Other roofing materials, like metal, could provide 50-plus years of leak-free performance.

Because roofs don’t require frequent repairs or even annual maintenance, the years of simply not thinking about your roof’s condition can quickly slip by. Before you know it, your roof may be showing significant signs of decay.

Old roofing materials are a particularly prevalent issue in the Pacific Northwest. The region’s abundance of precipitation and regular storms can damage your roof, shortening what would otherwise be a naturally long lifespan. Seattle’s high moisture levels can also make homes prone to rampant moss and algae growth, especially in shaded areas or on homes surrounded by trees. If neglected, moss can trap moisture against your shingles, hastening deterioration and increasing the risk of roof leaks.

If your roof has sprung a leak due to aging – naturally or otherwise – the experts at Chet’s Roofing & Construction will provide you with prompt and experienced service.

Signs Your Roof Is Too Old

• Cracked, Curled or Missing Shingles: The constant precipitation in the Pacific Northwest often causes roof shingles to prematurely deteriorate. As your home’s primary protective layer, your roof’s shingles are constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions and can become brittle as a result. Cracked, curled or missing shingles can create openings for water to penetrate your roof and seep into your home's interior.

• Rotted Roofing Underlays: The underlay is the barrier directly behind shingles that further fortifies your roof against leaks. Pooling water can create an overbearing weight that can accelerate wear and eventually lead to leaks.

• Misaligned Fixings: The fasteners that hold your roof’s shingles in place can loosen with time, shifting your shingles and forming gaps prime for water seepage.

• Frequently Clogged Gutters: Deteriorated roofs can shed granules that end up in gutters, increasing the rate of clogs and drainage issues that could cause home damage on top of roof damage.

• Corroded or Deteriorating Flashing: Your roof’s flashing helps to seal joints and reduce the risk of water seeping through vulnerable areas like your vents or chimney. Aging flashing can increase your risk of leaks and interior water damage.

• Fractured Chimney: Roofs tend to shift and settle over time, which can cause your chimney to crack and fracture, creating leaks.

• Poor Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation due to damaged roof vents can cause your roof to quickly deteriorate because of moisture buildup and create the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. 

• Roof Valleys With Ruptured Seals: Roof valleys, or concave angles where two roof slopes meet, are crucial for water runoff. These valleys, which are subjected to more water volume than other parts of your roof, can potentially deteriorate more rapidly than the rest of your roof, leading to water pooling and leaks.

• Damaged Soffit and Fascia: Your roof’s soffit and fascia boards make up the roof overhang around your home. They are crucial for protecting your roof’s underside from water seepage. You’ll know your roof has deteriorated if your soffit and fascia have rotted or warped from leaks.

• Sagging or Drooping Rooflines: If your roofline or other parts of your roof are sagging or drooping from gradual wear and tear, your roof may be severely compromised.

What Should You Do If Your Roof Has Deteriorated?

Leaks are usually fixable. Typically, you won’t need to replace your roof for another 30 or even 50 years if you replace your roof with premium-grade materials – although their lifespan is often cut short in the damp climate of Seattle.

Regular maintenance inspections can prevent the aforementioned issues from manifesting, preserving your roof’s quality and delaying replacement. If your roof is displaying signs of severe damage, such as if you’re frequently losing shingles or you see shiny or discolored patches on your roof, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.

Our roofers will inspect your roof and give you grounded advice about whether you should repair or replace it. If replacement is necessary, the roofers at Chet’s Roofing & Construction will install a new roof efficiently and effectively, getting the job done right on the first try so you can have your home back to normal again as soon as possible.

Trust Skilled and Reputable Seattle Roofing Professionals That Put Homeowners First

At Chet’s Roofing & Construction, we prioritize Seattle homeowners’ budgets and schedules over arbitrary quotas. Our team of experienced contractors specializes in roof maintenance, repairs and replacement. We’ll work hard to restore your roof quickly so you can get back to not worrying about your roof for many years to come.

Trust roofers that have been repairing and replacing roofs with dedicated craftsmanship since 1998. Call us today at (877) 611-1514 or explore our service page to learn more and receive a repair estimate.