There are few things that can happen to your home that will cause more panic than when you notice water stains or dripping from your ceiling.

Visions of costly roof repairs, damage to your home and water stains on our furniture, immediately pop to mind.

But not all leaks are necessarily the sign of terrible things happening, and many of them are easy to fix. By getting to know some of the reasons for roof leaks, you will better understand the causes and ways to minimize the damage.

1. Missing or Damaged Roof Shingles

One or more shingles on your roof can suffer damage or actually come loose over time or due to bad weather, wear and tear, etc..

2. Damaged Flashing, Caulking and Sealant

Flashing is used around roof protuberances, like your chimney or roof vents, to stop moisture from getting between them and the shingles. Flashing can be damaged by animals, wind-borne debris or age.

3. Condensation

Improper attic venting can cause a moisture build-up to the point where it begins leaking into your home.

4. Ice Dams

In winter, ice dams, caused by poor insulation and roof ventilation, can stop water from draining off the roof and force it up underneath the shingles and into your home.

5. Raised Roofing Nails

If the nails used to fasten shingles to the roof deck become loose, moisture can get into your home around the nail.

6. Heavy Wind and Rain

Sometimes the weather proves too much for your roof to handle – even for a new roof. When high winds combine with rain, roofing shingles can be raised while pelting water gets in underneath.

7. Debris in on the Roof and/or in Eavestroughs

If leaves, pine needles or any other debris build up on your roof, or in your eavestroughs, water may not be able to drain off the roof properly and a leak could result.

You can eliminate many causes of roof leaks yourself. Just by keeping debris off your roof and making sure your roof has proper ventilation, you’ll eliminate a couple of the major causes. But in many cases, including if you need to replace shingles or flashing, a professional roofer is your best bet to keep your home safe and dry.