If your roof is leaking, you will want to find the cause of the leak right away so that you can take steps to protect your roof and home from further damage. With a leak, it is not always as simple as just going straight up from where the water is getting into your home and figuring out where the leak is.

Water makes its own path and often travels a distance inside your home before you actually notice the water damage. That is why it is essential to know where to look on the top side of your roof to figure out where the leak is coming from.

Reason #1: Damaged Shingles

When your shingles are in good shape, they can do an excellent job at keeping water out of your home. When your shingles are damaged, though, water can more easily make its way into your home.

That is why it is essential to be aware of the signs that your shingles are reaching the end of their life, so you can replace them before you experience water damage. If your shingles are starting to crack, curl up on the edges, loosen, or have started to go missing after strong windstorms, then they need to be replaced. Locate the area with the most worn-down shingles, and you may find your leak.

Reason #2: Worn-Down Caulking

Caulking is placed around things such as pipes, vents, and skylights on your roof. The caulking helps create a seal between your roof and the material protruding from your roof. When that caulking wears down, water can easily make its way around whatever is protruding up from your roof and into your home. Luckily, this is a pretty easy thing to fix. All that needs to be done is the old sealant needs to be removed and a new sealant put in place.

Reason #3: Damaged Rubber Boots

Another issue that can allow water into your home is damaged rubber boots. Rubber boots are usually placed around vents and pipes that protrude from your roof. The rubber, over time, may get stiff and crack, which can allow water into your home. Check all the rubber boots, and if any look cracked or damaged, get a roofing professional to replace them.

Reason #4: Old Flashing

Flashing is metal material that is used around protrusions on your roof and is also used on areas where two sides of your roof meet or where your roof meets with a wall. Flashing is designed to reinforce fragile areas and keep water out. However, flashing isn't nearly as strong as most roofing materials and will need to be replaced before your roof wears out. If your flashing is looking worn down, that may be where your leak is coming from.

If you can locate the source of the leak, cover that area up. A tarp is commonly used to cover up the leaking area. Then, get your roofing contractor out as soon as possible to properly repair and seal up the leak area so that you can keep water from getting past your roof and into your home.

For more information on roof leaks, contact a roofing contractor in your area.