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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ROOF VALLEYS
If you ask most people what a valley is, they could most likely give you the right answer. But if you put the word “roof” in front of “valley,” the majority of people would have no idea what you’re talking about. This is understandable, but the truth is that a roof valley is crucial to the functionality of your roof system. When the time comes for a new roof, or you have a roof leak, you’ll probably hear the term a lot.
So, what exactly is a roof valley? And what do you need to know about it?
What are Roof Valleys?
Valleys are troughs constructed on junctures of two sloped sections of the roof, and their purpose is to lead the water away from the top of the house into the gutter.
A roof valley is when two roof facets meet at a slope to form an interior angle. The main purpose of roof valleys is to allow water to flow down your roof properly.
There are two common types of roof valleys, open and closed. The names of the valleys pretty much tell you exactly what they are.
(Left: closed valley, Right: open valley)
Open valleys mean they are literally “open,” and there’s no roofing material installed over the valley. On the other hand, closed valleys are “closed” by the roofing material (asphalt shingles) installed over the valley. No matter what type of roof valley you have, they are an important part of your roof to ensure water gets down to your gutters. Because they are regularly exposed to running water, they need certain materials.
What material is installed in a roof valley?
Roof valleys are one of the most common roof areas prone to leaks because of the amount of water that flows through them. That’s why both types of roof valleys need the right type of material installed in them to prevent leaks.
Causes of Leaks at Roof Valleys
Remember, you shouldn’t have problems in your roof valleys as long as the right material is there and it’s installed correctly. But often roof leaks are due to neglect from lack of maintenance.
For roof valleys, this comes in the form of sitting debris. Leaving debris in your roof valleys creates a “dam” that doesn’t allow water to flow down your roof properly. This causes water to back up and get under the roofing material, leading to leak inside of your home eventually. It’s also a problem when debris becomes saturated and sits in a closed roof valley for prolonged periods of time.
The longer it sits, the more the saturated debris damages the asphalt shingles and shortens their lifespan. Because of this, it’s absolutely crucial to get your roof valleys cleared out as part of routine roof maintenance. Roof valleys are a potential problem area all over the world.
Lifespan of roof valleys is relatively long. They can last for more than 20 years, but external factors can considerably shorten that period. Wet leaves stick to the valley and corrosion leads to formation of rust bubbles. These quickly turn into holes on the valley, gradually destroying neighboring sections of the roof, as well. Leaves can also accumulate in roof valleys, which can lead to forming of ice during the winter. Water expands while freezing, causing shingles to move, which also leads to leakage very quickly.
Sometimes workers overlap shingles during the valley’s montage, and, later, water later find its way between them.
Roof Maintenance
The best prevention is to keep your roof clean at all times. It is advisable to regularly clean gutters of any accumulated debris, thus preventing any future problems. This is recommended at least twice a year. If there are a lot of trees with branches hanging above your roof, trimming them is also a good prevention method.
ROOF VALLEY PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
RUST AND CORROSION
Rust is the biggest enemy of your roof’s flashing. As most flashing is made of metal, it can, over time, deteriorate due to corrosion. Roof valley flashing made of metal, such as galvanized steel or aluminum, can corrode over time due to exposure to the elements. This can cause the flashing to become weak and more susceptible to leaks. This makes your metal valley flashing ineffective against water and other weather conditions.
IMPROPER INSTALLATION
Improper installation is a common problem with roof valley flashing that can lead to water penetration and leaks. If the valley flashing is not installed properly, it may not provide adequate protection against water penetration. This can be due to mistakes made during installation, such as not securing the flashing tightly to the roof deck or failing to overlap the flashing correctly.
IMPROPERLY SIZED FLASHING
If the flashing is not the correct size for the roof valley, it may not provide adequate coverage to protect against water penetration.
POOR SEALING
The flashing must be installed tightly against the roof deck and secured in place with fasteners, and any gaps or space must be sealed with roofing cement or another type of sealant. To avoid these installation errors, it is important to have a qualified roofing contractor install the roof valley flashing.
AGE OF THE ROOF FLASHING
Age is another common problem with valley flashing that can compromise its ability to protect against water damage. Just like other roofing materials, a metal roof valley flashing has a lifespan that affects its performance. As your valley flashing nears the end of its lifespan, it will be harder for it to protect your valley. Over time, exposure to the elements and natural aging will cause the flashing to become worn and weak.
Here are some signs that you need to look out for:
Cracks or splits in the material: This allows water to seep in and cause damage to the roof and underlying structure.
Its length of exposure to the elements: Lengthy exposure to UV rays from the sun or other weather patterns cause the flashing to become brittle and more likely to crack or break.
Warping: The flashing may warp over time, which can cause it to pull away from the roof deck and leave gaps where water can seep in.
If the flashing is showing signs of aging, it is important to have it inspected by a qualified roofing professional. You most likely will need to replace the old flashing to ensure your home is protected.
HOLES IN FLASHING
Holes in roof valley flashing can also cause water to penetrate the roof and cause damage. Holes can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the following:
Rust and corrosion can weaken the flashing and cause it to develop gaps.
Flashing hit by falling debris or improperly installed can cause holes.
Pests can create holes in your flashing material as they attempt to burrow into your roof.
If you have constant leaks during rain, or moisture in the attic, then there is a possibility that there are holes in the valley flashing. Holes or gaps will need immediate attention as they can eventually expand and cause bigger problems down the road.
HOW TO PREVENT ROOF VALLEY PROBLEMS
Prevention is always better than fixing the final damage, and this applies to the problems you face with your roof’s flashing material. Here are some tips for preventing problems with your roof valley flashing.
IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR ROOF MAINTENANCE:
Regular roof maintenance is critical to preventing problems with your roof valley flashing. This involves two things: roof cleaning and roof inspection. You can inspect the roof yourself, but it’s better to hire a professional to do it for you.
During a maintenance check, a professional roofing contractor can inspect your roof for signs of damage and address any issues before they become more serious. Regular maintenance can also help extend the life of your roof and reduce the risk of water damage.
QUALITY MATERIALS:
Invest in high-quality roof valley flashing made from durable and long-lasting material, such as copper or aluminum. This will ensure that the flashing lasts longer and provides better protection for your roof. Quality materials are more durable, last longer, and can resist wear and tear better than cheaper materials.
Here are some of the best flashing materials available on the market:
Metal valley flashing (aluminum, galvanized steel, copper metal flashing)
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
(Left: closed valley, Right: open valley)