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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
Most Common Roof Leaks
There are several areas where leaks generally occur on a shingle roof: valleys, chimneys, walls, vents, open fields, downspouts & gutters, the roof deck, and skylights. For these common leaks, a professional roofing contractor will have no problem helping you to sort the problem out and fix your leaky roof.
VALLEYS
Nails directly in the valley
This leak occurs when the installer puts roofing nails too close to the center of the valley where the majority of the water flows. There may also be missing nails, and this can be a common issue with your roof deck if you have one.
No underlayment in the valley
This leak occurs when roofers fail to install ice and water shield, rolled roofing, or metal (3 ft. Wide) under the shingles and up the entire valley.
Failure to tip or horn shingle corners at the valley
This roof leak occurs when installers fail to tip or horn the shingle corners at installation. This leak may take years to show up, especially if underlayment was originally installed on the roof.
CHIMNEYS
Failure to install roof flashing properly
Proper installation of chimney flashing starts at the bottom of the chimney with a base flashing covering up the last exposed row of shingles on the roof and extending up the bricks. Individual flashings are bent at a 90-degree angle and are woven between the shingles up the sides of the chimney.
If the chimney is wider than three feet, it should have a cricket behind it which is a small gable roof with two valleys. This prevents water and ice from pooling behind the chimney.
Chimney leaks caused by failed brick, mortar, and chimney caps
Leaks caused by failed bricks are sometimes difficult to detect because they aren’t obvious. Some bricks don’t repel water well (especially in cold climates). A cracked chimney cap can also be the cause of a chimney leak.
WALL LEAKS
Improper step flashing which is often old step flashing.
Roofers often skimp when applying a new roof and use the old flashing cards which are full of the old nail holes. This can cause a leaky roof, and because the holes are very small it can go unnoticed for a long time.
Another possible leak at the wall can occur when a flashing is applied and the bottom of it lands at the pointed edge of the top of aluminum or vinyl siding. The siding lip acts as a trough for the water to catch onto.
VENT LEAKS
A ridge roof leak that’s found in the roof vents can be caused by a shingle not being tucked under its bottom flange.
Square back roof vents leak when shingles are pushed up against the vent. Plumbing stacks can leak at the rubber gasket where it meets the pipe and the flashing.
Time and ultraviolet rays rot the rubber seal out. Wide square back roof vents can also leak.
There are many potential causes of roof leaks. Improper installation of a roof component or feature may cause a roof leak. Damage to any part of the roof may also cause a leak. Here are some common causes of roof leaks that you may want to know more about:
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Missing or damaged shingles: If a shingle is missing or damaged, it can’t do its job of keeping water at bay. Missing or damaged shingles may be the result of improper installation, improper repair or extreme weather.
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Objects placed on the roof: It is not always safe to nail something to your roof. Solar panels, security cameras, Christmas decorations and other objects could be the source of leaks if their installation interferes with the roof.
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Vents and exhaust fans: If improperly installed or damaged, vents and exhaust fans can allow water to access your roof.
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Skylights: Skylights have their own flashing to prevent leaks, but if that flashing is poorly designed, installed, or damaged, it may allow for a leak.
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Exposed or improperly driven nails and screws: Shingles should cover all nails or screws in a roof. Exposed nails may create the opportunity for a leak. If your roofer chose the wrong roofing nail, it might also contribute to a leak.
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Valley problems: Valleys are particularly vulnerable areas of the roof and roofers need to install them with care. You also need to keep valleys clean of debris so they can function properly.
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Chimney problems: As chimneys run from your home up through the roof, they may allow for leaks if they do not have the proper flashing installed. Complete chimney flashing involves multiple types of flashing.
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Flashing issues: Flashing is an essential part of the roof, and it protects everything from skylights to plumbing vents from leaks. Bent, damaged or missing flashing can allow for a leak.
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Walking on the roof: It’s possible to create a leak by frequently walking on your roof or by walking in vulnerable areas, such as roof valleys. Roofing professionals wear correct footwear and know where they should and should not step to avoid damaging your roof.