Top Six Common Roof Types & How to Pick One for Your Home

If you think your home might have a leak in the roof, you're right to be concerned. A leak, if left unrepaired, can lead to many problems, from mold to water damage. Detecting the issue early—and figuring out what's causing it—can help limit the damage.So, here's how to tell whether you have a roof leak, the common causes, and what to do next.How to Detect a Roof LeakHere are a few signs you might have a leaking roof.StainingWater stains, which look like brownish or yellowish spots, on your walls, floors, or ceilings are signs you have a leak. A plumbing leak can also cause these stains, but finding them in the attic or near other roofing structures means water is likely coming from the roof.MoldMold grows in humid environments, and roof leaks can create the perfect conditions for this growth. If you see mold around the attic and insulation, you may have a leak or your attic may not have proper ventilation. Either way, it's an issue you'll want to address.SaggingSagging ceilings can indicate leaks and issues with your roof's structural integrity. If water has accumulated in the roof decking, the wooden materials can rot and become damaged, weakening them. As water collects, it can also cause these materials to grow heavier, leading to sagging ceilings. This is a safety hazard you'll want to fix as soon as possible.Common Causes of Roof LeaksYour roofing system might develop a leak for several reasons.Severe WeatherWeather-related damage is one of the major sources of roof leaks. Exposure to moisture from rainstorms can cause materials like shingles or flashing to deteriorate and eventually allow water to seep into the structure below. Sharp winds can lift or warp shingles, letting water enter the damaged area. Hail can crack shingles and flashing. Even temperature fluctuations can cause materials to become brittle and crack as they expand and contract with these changes.Faulty Roof WorkImproperly installing roofing materials can also lead to roof leaks. When shingles aren't aligned or securely attached to the roof, it creates small openings where water can pool. This can occur when nails aren't driven in all the way or not enough nails are used. That's why certain shingles like GAF Timberline HDZ® use patented LayerLock® Technology that helps your roofer achieve a 99.9% nailing accuracy. Since flashing protects the vulnerable parts of the roof, improper flashing installation can also cause problems.Additionally, many homeowners try to save money by making repairs themselves or hiring low-quality contractors who don't do the job correctly or use cheap materials. This can lead to further and more expensive repairs down the road.Simple Wear and TearWear and tear over time can also cause roof leaks. Roofing materials can deteriorate over the years due to harsh weather, ultraviolet rays, and roof movements.Animals and Tree BranchesLess common causes, which still pop up now and then, include damage from animals and tree branches. The heavy impact from tree branches can crack shingles, leaving room for openings. Small critters like rats and squirrels can chew through roofing material or burrow into it, creating openings for water to enter.Call A Professional to Repair LeaksIt isn't always easy to identify the main source of a leak yourself. So, as soon as you notice any signs of a leak, call a trusted roofing contractor. They can find the leak's source, install quality materials to fix it before further damage occurs, and prevent it from happening again. A contractor can also help determine whether you need a new roof entirely.How to Prevent Roof Leaks in the FutureWith regular maintenance, you can catch leaks before they occur and extend your roof's life.Schedule A Professional InspectionIt's recommended to get your roof professionally inspected at least twice a year. When a leak is in the first stages, you might not notice signs immediately. A contractor can detect these issues before they happen and repair any damaged areas, such as shingles or flashing. These proactive steps are often less expensive than, for example, replacing damaged insulation from water damage or replacing the roof decking due to rot.Inspect Your Attic and RoofIn addition to professional inspections, monitor your attic and roof to determine whether you need a roof repair. From your attic, look for any sunlight that might be entering. If light can get into your attic, that means water can too. If you have a leak, you might see small dark spots or smell mildew or mold.While you should avoid climbing on your roof (leave this to the professionals who have the proper safety equipment and training), you can inspect your roof from the ground. Look for missing or damaged shingles, holes, and damage to the gutters and flashing.Clean Your GuttersMake gutter cleaning part of your yearly maintenance, or hire someone to do it. When your gutters become clogged with debris, water has nowhere to go and will remain on the roof or make its way inside. Installing gutter guards can help reduce the need for gutter cleanup.Trim Tree BranchesTrimming the tree branches near your roof can further prevent leaves from clogging the gutters. This step can also prevent branches from scratching your shingles on windy days or falling on your roof, leading to cracks.Catch Leaks Early to Minimize DamageYour roof is one of your home's most important structures. So, as soon as you notice signs of a leak, contact a roofing contractor, and prevent future leaks with regular roof maintenance and inspections. By taking these steps, you can ensure your roof protects what matters most for years to come.Ready to hire a contractor to fix a leak or inspect your roof? Find a GAF-Certified Contractor* near you.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

While it can be fun to put up holiday lights, it's traditionally had its share of downsides. In addition to requiring a ladder, adding seasonal cheer to a home's exterior previously involved driving screws, nails, or staples into the roof or siding. The small holes these fasteners create can allow moisture to penetrate the roofing system, potentially leading to leaks, mold, and mildew.These days, you can choose many options to spread holiday cheer without damaging your home or taking on unnecessary risks. Here are the most effective ways to decorate for the season.Consider Decor That Doesn't Involve the RoofThe safest way to bedeck your home for the holidays is to decorate another part of the house or your yard, away from the roof. Here are a few ideas.ProjectorsLight projectors shower your home with a moving light display, featuring anything from snowflakes to traditional holiday characters. With many options, you're sure to find one that suits your house and neighborhood. And since the projector units sit close to the ground, you don't risk damage to your home and don't need a ladder to install them.InflatablesInflatables are staked into the ground and can help create a variety of holiday themes, from the classic nativity scene to an eye-catching menorah. They're easy to install and won't damage your home. However, inflatables are susceptible to weather events—during high winds or heavy snowfall, you may want to unplug or turn off the fan to prevent them from taking flight or creating a risk of electric shock.Tree LightsYou can hang lights from trees, landscaping, or other structures in your yard. Stringing lights around bushes, up light poles or tree trunks, and under a carport are all good alternatives to hanging them on the roof.How to String Holiday Lights on Your HouseIf you really want to put up holiday lights on your house, you can do so safely without damaging your roof or siding.Seek HelpOnly use a ladder with a partner nearby to help maintain stability and provide assistance. If you don't feel comfortable climbing a ladder or want additional help, contact a roofing contractor.Use Plastic ClipsYou can mount holiday lights using plastic clips that attach to gutters or shingles. The most common ones clip to the gutter's edge and hold either individual lights or the wire between them. You can also use siding clips to string lights vertically.Alternatively, you can install roof peak clips, which grip the shingle's edges at the top of the roof. They require access to the roof ridge, so professionals often use them.To remove the lights at the end of the season, take down the clips individually. Don't pull on the string of lights, as doing so could damage your gutters or the light string.Try Magnetic ClipsYou can use magnetic clips to attach individual bulbs or sockets to metal roofs or flashing. You can easily take them down by pulling on the string of lights (in this case, it's OK).While you're working around your roof, take a few minutes to inspect it for potential damage or quality issues. Contact a contractor if you have any concerns.Holiday Lighting OptionsSelect lights that are properly rated for outdoor use. LEDs are often recommended due to their energy efficiency, and they don't heat up like incandescent bulbs. You can also plug in multiple strings to the same outlet without fear of overloading the circuit, making LED lights more versatile.When it comes to types of holiday lighting, you have a few options.Large BulbsIt doesn't get much more traditional than large bulbs. You can use clips to ensure they're all pointing the same way, or string the cord through them for a more carefree look.Mini LightsMini lights don't put out as much light as large bulbs, so they may not be the best option for the roof. However, they're great for windows, trees, or indoor displays.Icicle LightsIcicle lights have strings of small bulbs that hang down from the gutter or roof to look like icicles. Use clips to attach the main string to the gutter line.Raindrop LightsRaindrop lights are animated to look like raindrops. You can hang them in a cluster in a small area or spots where traditional string lights don't work.Decorative Bulb CoversDecorative bulb covers give your home a unique look. You can get them shaped like snowmen, stars, ornaments, or other holiday motifs.Smart LightsSmart lights are the newest trend in holiday lighting. An app lets you control the lighting colors, patterns, intensity, and blinking speed so you can create your own unique light show. When paired with music, your home will become a neighborhood attraction.Remember to Prioritize SafetySafety should always be your first priority when you put up holiday lights. If you need a ladder to achieve your desired design, don't climb one without a helper nearby, and ensure you have the right ladder for the job. Also, attaching lights to your house with temporary clips instead of permanent fasteners can help keep your roofing system healthy.If you notice any roof damage or concerns while planning your holiday decorations, don't hesitate to contact a roofing contractor that's certified by GAF. They have the expertise to assess and address any roofing issues, ensuring your home stays protected throughout the holiday season and beyond.Whether you hang lights or opt for other outdoor decor, you can spread holiday cheer this season safely and creatively.

As a commercial roofing contractor, you're responsible for choosing the right materials for each job. But with so many options available, making a decision can be difficult.Increasingly, industry professionals have been turning to silicone roof coatings for their strength and durability. These coatings can help extend the life of a structurally sound roof and potentially save property owners time and money by delaying a full reroof. Plus, their restoration properties work great with most commercial roofing systems, like EPDM, built-up, bitumen, and metal roofs. What Are Silicone Roof Coatings?Silicone coatings are high-performance, waterproof protective roof coatings. Adding this coating to a structurally sound roof can help extend the life of the existing roof. Silicone is inorganic, so it can maintain its properties in inclement weather conditions. It's also flexible and can absorb most normal roof movement to help avoid cracking and losing its protective features.Benefits of Silicone Roof CoatingsIn addition to flexibility and extending the life of the existing roof, silicone coatings offer several other benefits. Laura Soder, senior product manager for liquids and coatings at GAF, explains that GAF silicone coatings are designed to help protect against leaks and provide related advantages.UV Ray ProtectionThe major benefit of silicone coatings is ultraviolet (UV) ray protection. "GAF silicone is formulated with titanium dioxide, providing exceptional UV stability and high solar reflectance," she says. This UV protection can help lower roof top temperatures, which may translate into more efficient operation of roof top units.Cost-EffectiveSilicone coatings are cost-effective solutions that can help delay the cost of materials and labor needed to replace the entire roof. They work great with most commercial roofs and pair exceptionally well with metal roofs.Restores and Helps Extend the Life of the Existing RoofSoder notes that silicone coatings adhere well to metal roofs, making them an excellent way to extend the service life of metal roofs. Before application, brush away light rust or spot-treat heavier rust. "There are a lot of metal roofs out there, and for those that are structurally sound and require only moderate restoration, you can easily add years to the roof's life by coating them with silicone," she says.Moisture-ResistantSilicone coatings are also known for their moisture-resistant capabilities. Since silicone is inorganic, it resists degradation in areas that pond water, making it an ideal choice in areas that experience rain or snow.Works in Hot and Cold WeatherSilicone has a wide temperature application range. Because it doesn't contain water, you can apply it at lower temperatures than acrylic and other roof coatings. It provides a monolithic, seamless waterproofing layer over existing metal roofs. Silicone will also flex with metal in cold and hot weather.How Silicone Compares to Elastomeric CoatingsCompared to acrylic and other elastomeric roof coatings, silicone has some advantages.Acrylics are water-based protective coatings with UV resistance —but they shouldn't be installed where there is ponding water, as they can break down and start delaminating. Silicone is a moisture-cure material, meaning it reacts with moisture in the air and cures to a finished film.Soder explains that both materials are flexible and appropriate for use over metal. But if you have any standing water, acrylic isn't the best choice. "While silicone is more expensive, it typically weathers at a much slower rate than other coatings," she says. That said, one of silicone's drawbacks compared to other elastomeric roof coatings is that it's slippery when wet.Navigating Installation and ApplicationWhile silicone coatings can help extend the life of an existing roof, Soder notes it's best to install the coating before the end of the existing membrane's service life.Since leaks tend to happen at roof seams, add silicone sealant to these areas. Sealants are formulated differently than coatings—they use different silicone polymers, giving them a heavier body and stronger build. Silicone sealants are formulated for high-stress areas and can help absorb movement at critical points in the roof. They work hand in hand with a silicone coating to protect the roof.Before you apply any coating, ensure the roof is clean, dry, and sound. "Clean means free of contaminants, dust, oils, leaves, and other debris," Soder says. You can use GAF Cleaning Concentrate to power wash your roof.Since silicone is moisture-cure, the roof needs to be dry before applying. Coating over a wet surface can affect adhesion and is often one of the biggest mistakes you can make when installing. You want the coating to start the curing process from moisture in the air, not from moisture on the roof.How to Apply Silicone CoatingsApplying a silicone roof coating involves five steps:Clean any debris off the roof and test that the coating will properly adhere to the surface.Ensure the roof is in sound condition. Repair broken sheet metal, and replace missing or damaged fasteners.Treat all seams and fasteners with silicone sealant like GAF Silicone Mastic. Apply it at 60 mils or 1/16-inch wet thickness with a brush.Use the same sealant on any curbs, penetrations, and drains.Finally, apply the silicone roof coating to the entire roof. Some coatings, like GAF Unisil Silicone, require two coats, while others such as the GAF High Solids Silicone may need just one.Understanding Maintenance Needs and LongevityMaintaining a silicone roof coating is essential. Addressing issues before they become problematic can help minimize the cost of repairs and maximize the service life of the coating.As the roof flexes over time, issues with the seams might develop. A good rule of thumb is to get a roof inspected every six months. Applying a silicone sealant can help address areas with leaks or cracks. Silicone sealant is UV stable and doesn't require a top coat, according to Soder.Adding Silicone Roof Coatings to Your ToolboxWith many benefits, silicone roof coatings should be front of mind when planning roof restoration projects. And with several options available, you can choose the best type for each roof you work on. Have more questions about roof coatings? GAF technical service reps are more than happy to assist you on your next coating project.