What Causes Roof Leaks and How to Prevent Them

What Causes Roof Leaks? Common Issues and Fixes You Should Know

Finding a water stain on your ceiling or a puddle in your attic can be a highly stressful experience for any homeowner. Roof leaks are not just inconvenient; they can result in significant structural damage, mold growth, and expensive repairs if left unaddressed.

In New Mexico, our intense sun, strong winds, and sudden hailstorms put extra stress on roofing material, making leaks one of the most common causes of water damage. Knowing the common causes of roof leaks is essential for effective prevention.

Roof Damage from Age and Weather

Every roof has a lifespan. Over the years, constant exposure to the elements weakens roof features, making old age a top culprit of leaks.

Shingle Deterioration: Asphalt shingles lose granules over time, leaving the base exposed. Eventually, they crack, curl, or break, requiring new shingles to prevent further damage and stop water from seeping in.

Thermal Shock: Hot days followed by cool nights in New Mexico cause materials to expand and contract. This stresses shingles, flashing, and other surfaces, creating cracks that allow rainwater to move inside.

Material Breakdown: As roofs age, seals dry out, insulation weakens, and wood decking becomes prone to rot. An older roof is simply more vulnerable, which is why regular roof inspections are essential.

Flashing Failures and Seal Problems

Flashing is thin metal installed around chimneys, vents, pipes, and skylights, as well as in roof valleys where two roof slopes meet. When flashing fails, leaks often develop at these high-risk spots.

  • Corrosion and Damage: Hail dents, rust, or broken screws can create holes where moisture seeps in.
  • Improper Sealing: Tar and caulk crack in heat, exposing gaps. Without a solid watertight seal, water starts dripping into the house.
  • Improperly Installed: Flashing or pitch pans done incorrectly during construction are common causes of leaks years later.

Routine inspections and resealing can prevent leaks and avoid further damage.

Impact of Poor Installation on Roof Leaks

Even the best roofing material won’t protect your house if it’s improperly installed.

  • Improperly Driven Nails: Nails or screws in the wrong place create entry points for rain.
  • Underlayment Errors: Misaligned or torn underlayment can’t prevent water from reaching decking.
  • Cutting Corners: Skipping starter strips, valleys, or flashing protections means leaks will eventually develop.

A licensed New Mexico roofing contractor ensures your roof properly resists rain, heat, and snow, keeping homeowners protected from leaks.

Roof Damage from Storms and High Winds

New Mexico storms often combine wind, hail, and heavy rain. Each element can break your roof system.

  • Wind Damage: Gusts lift shingles, breaking seals and letting rainwater inside.
  • Hail Damage: Large hail can puncture shingles, while small hail removes protective granules. Both shorten lifespan and may lead to mold.
  • Heavy Rain and Snow: Water moves through cracks, valleys, and improper installation points. In cold climates, melting snow and ice can also cause leaks.

Always inspect your roof properly after storms to catch issues early and schedule repairs before they cause further damage.

Can Clogged Gutters Lead to Roof Leaks?

Your gutters and downspouts are your roof’s first line of defense. When clogged with debris, they can’t flow properly.

  • Water Backup: Overflow pools along the edge of the roof, seeping into the decking and walls.
  • Ice Dams: In cold climates, frozen water blocks drainage, forcing meltwater under shingles.
  • Other Debris: Heavy, wet debris can pull gutters loose, breaking fascia and causing leaks.

Regular cleaning each spring and fall helps prevent water buildup and protects your roof properly.

How Can You Prevent Future Roof Leaks?

While you can’t stop storms or aging, you can take steps to avoid leaks:

  • Inspect Regularly: Professional inspections catch common roof leak problems before they spread.
  • Repair Quickly: Replace missing shingles, reseal flashing, and fix small holes fast.
  • Keep Gutters Clean: Clear debris to prevent standing water.
  • Invest in Quality: A new roof with durable roofing material prevents long-term issues.
  • Hire Experts: Work with a licensed roofer who understands New Mexico’s climate and installs roofs properly.

Why Choose East Mountain Roofing for Repairs?

When you need roof repairs, East Mountain Roofing delivers reliable solutions. We fix everything from flashing issues and clogged gutters to storm damage and old age wear.

Our team uses trusted roofing material, offers detailed repair plans, and backs work with a 10-year warranty. Whether it’s a residential or commercial roof, we’ll fix leaks fast and prevent further damage.

What’s the Best Way to Stay Ahead of Roof Leaks?

Knowing the most common causes of leaks—weathering, flashing, improper installation, clogged gutters, and storm damage—helps you protect your house. Don’t wait for water dripping on your ceiling. Be proactive with inspections, repairs, and quality roofing material.

Call East Mountain Roofing today at (505) 264-7081 or fill out our contact page to schedule a roof leak repair and keep your roof properly maintained.