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COMMON AREAS OF ROOF LEAKS
You’ve probably heard it before. That slow, torturous sound of water trickling down from your ceiling. There’s something about a slow drip of water in the home that can drive owners insane. It’s like the constant ticking of a clock. It becomes a battle against time to find where the leak is coming from before the situation gets worse.
The vast majority of roof coverings operate using the principal of gravity. This can be a big help in locating a leak source. However, horizontal roof boards can trick you. A leak may actually be eight to 10 feet sideways from where you see the wet ceiling or spot in the attic. Finding the source of some leaks is easy. Others will require detective work and possibly a garden hose and an inside spotter. If you don’t feel comfortable on a roof, you will have to find an honest roofer to assist you. Below are some common roof leaks:
AROUND THE CHIMNEY
The chimney is one of the main culprits of a roof leak. Most of the time, it’s due to cracked or damaged flashing. These are thin strips of metal installed around the roof, which provide a seal in areas where the roof intersects. Chimney flashing is bent at a 90-degree angle with one side laid under the shingles and the other side nailed into the chimney. The top of the flashing is then sealed with caulk, which will fail over time. If the flashing isn’t properly sealed or nailed into place, water can intrude and enter your home. Even the flashing itself can wear down over time after prolonged exposure to bad weather, so it’s important to have your chimney inspected once a year.
AROUND WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS
Skylights can be a beautiful addition to your home, whether you want to see the stars from your bedroom at night or brighten your living room with more natural light during the day. However, they can also cause headaches if they start leaking. There are two main causes for this type of leak: improper installation or worn weather-sealing along the skylight edges. With a poorly fitted skylight, leaks can sprout down the sides and the rubber seal around the glass, ruining the water barrier. Most skylight leaks occur due to flashing issues or poor installation, not the glazing that comes with the skylight.
VENT PIPES
Another common place where your roof can leak is around a vent pipe. Also known as a plumbing vent, this pipe protrudes from the rood to allow air to escape from the home. A vent pipe often has flashing around it and a rubber boot to seal the top of the vent. After enduring the weather over time, the flashing may become worn and cracked, leading to a roof leak. The rubber boot can fail in as little as seven years, so periodic maintenance can help stop roof leaks before they happen.
MISSING SHINGLES
One of the obvious ways to spot where your roof is leaking is to look for missing shingles. They should be easy to see since they are the outermost layer of the roof that provides protection against inclement weather. Storms and strong winds can rip shingles from the roof and created exposed areas, leading to leaks. Hail or falling debris can penetrate your roof during storms, causing damage that may require repairs. Once the storm settles, you should be able to inspect your roof and see if any shingles are missing.
If your roof is older, it is possible that the leak is within the roof field. This means the expanse of shingles, slate, shakes, whatever. If your roof is asphalt, then you can walk around with ease. Other materials such as slate, concrete tile or clay tile may not be so forgiving. You can crack roofing if you walk on it, so be careful. With regular shingles, look at the tops of the vertical knockouts. Look for missing colored granules. Look for cracks. P ossibly a nail has backed itself out of the roof sheathing. Simply take your time and hunt or call a professional.
RIDGES AND ROOF VALLEYS
Ridges are formed at the highest point where roof slopes meet and where the edges are attached to either a beam or a board. A ridge cap is then installed to prevent water from getting in through the ridge itself. Valleys are formed at the lowest point where roof slopes meet. There are two types of valleys: open and closed. Closed valleys are created by installing shingles across adjacent slope edges, creating a sense of continuity from one plane to another. Open valleys are created when, instead of shingles, flashing is installed to cover the valley itself. The flashing edges are then hidden underneath the shingles on each side.
Why They are Leak-Prone