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8 Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks (and How to Fix Them)

Roof leaks can be devastating to your home and family
Roof leaks can be devastating to your home and family

A leaking roof can quickly turn from a minor nuisance to a major problem, causing water damage, mold growth, and structural issues in your home. While roofs are designed to withstand years of wear and tear, they can still develop leaks due to a variety of reasons.

At Aura Home Exteriors, we’ve seen it all. To help you stay one step ahead, we’re breaking down the most common causes of roof leaks—and how you can address them before they lead to costly repairs. Check out our Home Owners Guide for more information.


1. Damaged or Missing Shingles

Missing Shingles
Missing Shingles

Shingles act as your roof’s first line of defense against the elements. Over time, strong winds, heavy rain, and hail can cause shingles to crack, curl, or go missing altogether.

  • Signs to Look For:

    • Bare patches on your roof

    • Shingle granules in your gutters

    • Visible cracks, curling, or missing shingles

  • Solution: Replace damaged or missing shingles as soon as possible to prevent water from seeping into the underlayment and roof deck.


2. Damaged Flashing

Bad Flashing
Bad Flashing

Flashing is the thin metal material installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys to direct water away from vulnerable areas. Over time, flashing can crack, corrode, or become loose.

  • Signs to Look For:

    • Water stains around chimneys or skylights

    • Exposed or bent flashing

    • Dripping water in your attic

  • Solution: Repair or replace damaged flashing to ensure a watertight seal in critical areas.


3. Clogged Gutters

Clogged Gutters with Clogged Leaf Fliter
Clogged Gutters with Clogged Leaf Fliter

Gutters play a vital role in directing water away from your roof and foundation. When they get clogged with leaves, debris, or ice, water can back up and pool on your roof, leading to leaks. Check out our Gutter FAQ for more info.

  • Signs to Look For:

    • Overflowing gutters during rain

    • Water pooling near your home’s foundation

    • Icicles forming along the gutters in winter

  • Solution: Clean your gutters regularly, especially in fall and after storms. Install gutter guards to reduce debris buildup.


4. Roof Vent Issues

Cat Eyes a sign of ventilation issues
Cat Eyes a sign of ventilation issues

Roof vents help with attic ventilation, but if they’re cracked, damaged, or improperly installed, they can allow water to enter your home. Check out our blog on why ventilation matters.

  • Signs to Look For:

    • Water stains near ceiling vents

    • Visible cracks in vent boots or covers

    • Mold or mildew in your attic

  • Solution: Replace cracked vent boots or reseal around the vent to keep water out.


5. Improperly Sealed Valleys

Roof Valley
Roof Valley

A roof valley is the line where two slopes of your roof meet. Water naturally flows along these valleys, so if they’re not properly sealed, leaks can occur. Check out what the parts of the roof are called in our  Home Owners Guide.

  • Signs to Look For:

    • Water stains forming along the seams of your ceiling

    • Signs of water runoff near roof valleys

    • Debris buildup in the valleys

  • Solution: Ensure valleys are sealed with appropriate materials and free of debris to allow proper water flow.


6. Skylight Leaks

Skylight Leak
Skylight Leak

While skylights are beautiful and add natural light to your home, they can also be a source of leaks if the seals around them wear down or the flashing becomes damaged. Check out the section on skylights in our Home Owners Guide

  • Signs to Look For:

    • Water pooling or dripping around the skylight

    • Condensation or fogging inside the glass

    • Visible gaps or cracks in the sealant

  • Solution: Check the flashing and reseal the skylight to prevent further water intrusion.


7. Ice Dams in Winter

Ice Dam Build Up
Ice Dam Build Up

In colder climates, ice dams form when heat from your attic melts snow on your roof, which then refreezes at the edges, creating a barrier that traps water. This trapped water can seep under shingles and cause leaks.

  • Signs to Look For:

    • Large icicles hanging from your gutters

    • Water stains on ceilings or walls in winter

    • Visible ice buildup along the roof’s edge

  • Solution: Improve attic insulation and ventilation to regulate roof temperature. Use a roof rake to clear excess snow safely.


8. Aging Roof

Old Aging Shingles
Old Aging Shingles

Roofs don’t last forever. Over time, exposure to the sun, wind, and rain will naturally cause your roofing materials to deteriorate, making your home more susceptible to leaks. Check out why a our blog on why a layover is a bad idea

  • Signs to Look For:

    • Shingles that are brittle, cracked, or missing

    • Persistent leaks despite repairs

    • Your roof’s age exceeding 20-30 years (depending on the material)

  • Solution: If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider a professional inspection and start planning for a replacement.


Why Timely Repairs Matter

A small leak today can turn into significant water damage tomorrow. Ignoring leaks can lead to. Check out our blog about Repair Vs. Replacing your Roof.

  • Mold growth and poor indoor air quality

  • Compromised structural integrity

  • Expensive repairs to ceilings, insulation, and drywall

Regular inspections and prompt repairs are the key to protecting your roof and your investment.


Let Aura Home Exteriors Help You Stay Leak-Free

At Aura Home Exteriors, we specialize in identifying and repairing roof leaks before they cause significant damage. Our team of experienced professionals provides thorough inspections, expert repairs, and full roof replacements tailored to your needs.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule a free inspection today and let us keep your home safe, dry, and secure.


Check out our Home Owners Guide for more information.

Use our Free Tool the Instant Estimator so you can see the cost of a new roof

Check out our FAQ on Roofing.

Visit auraroof.com or contact us to learn more!


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