A small drip from your ceiling is a lot more than just annoying; it could be a sign that there's a more serious issue with the roofing system, and it hence should not be taken lightly. Knowing why certain leaks occur is not only important for preventing them in the first place, it also helps you know how best to mitigate damage before you need a roofing specialist can attend to a bigger problem. This article discusses some common reasons for those pesky roof leaks.

1. Ice dams

Leaks in winter could be the result of ice dams, which are ice ridges that form because of water from melting snow that makes its way under your roof. The snow melts because of the higher attic temperatures compared with outside temperatures, but eventually, it refreezes and can cause damage to the roof as it grows. You should check for ice dams regularly by investing in a roof rake, which allows you to remove snow buildup on the roof edges. You will be able to see an ice dam under the roof once you do; use ice-melting products to treat them and prevent them from reforming. If the roof is already damaged significantly, call in a roofing specialist to assess and fix the damage.

2. Faulty skylights

Leaks caused by faulty skylights are easy to tell because they'll happen around the edges of your skylights. They may be caused by flashing issues rather than the skylights themselves, but most often they are a result of improper measurement and installation of skylights or corroded insulation around the skylights. If you're handy and have a ladder to reach the skylights, inspect to see if there are any cracks on the glass, around the edges of in the flashing underneath. Cracks can be sealed using clear silicone while flashing should be replaced professionally unless you're very handy with tools.

3. Clogged gutters

Dirty gutters do a huge disservice to your roof because debris buildup usually results in clogs that can damage your roof over time. If you notice that rainwater doesn't make it to the downspout, but rather pools and overflows in certain portions, you have a clog somewhere along the gutters. This pooling water can slowly seep into your roof and leak into the house. In winter, dirty gutters encourage the formation of snow mountains and ice dams on the roof. The good news is that gutters are easy to clean if you do it regularly. Lay a tarp underneath the length of the gutter pipes, which allows you to throw down dead leaves and branches as you move. You can wrap them up and throw away when you're done.