CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
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.
ROOF DORMER LEAKS
A leak in a roof at the dormer can cause extensive damage and expensive repairs. Water stains appearing on the ceiling or mold growing on rafters are sure signs the leak didn’t just appear overnight. Unless it rains while you are in the attic, you may be unable to detect the leak immediately. Replicate rainfall to find the leak from either outside the dormer or inside the house to make the necessary repairs. Follow roof safety procedures when working on your roof or seek the help of someone with roofing experience. Dormer roofs are often made of a cheaper, less durable substance than the rest of the roof. Most dormer leaks occur as the flashing deteriorates and the connection between the two roofs is weakened, leading to leaks which may cause mold, stains and damage within the walls of the house. Dormer roof repairs require some time and a few tools but are considerably cheaper than replacing an interior wall damaged from the leak.
Water stains appearing on the ceiling or mold growing on rafters are sure signs the leak didn’t just appear overnight. Unless it rains while you are in the attic, you may be unable to detect the leak immediately. Replicate rainfall to find the leak from either outside the dormer or inside the house to make the necessary repairs. Follow roof safety procedures when working on your roof or seek the help of someone with roofing experience.
You can also check in attic for signs of leaks at passive dormers that have an opening into it, being careful to only step on the bottom chords of trusses or ceiling joists where attic flooring is not installed. Here’s a few of the defects that can cause dormers and their windows to leak:
Improperly installed or deteriorated roof-to-wall flashings.
Lack of flashing at top of trim over window.
Deteriorated caulk around window
Roofing leak at dormer roof
Roof damage from falling branch or hail
Many homeowners also have a licensed roofer walk their entire roof every year or two to report on the condition and make any minor repairs.
What Are Common Mistakes Made When Flashing Around a Dormer?
Roof leaks in many different places are common. It is common for stormwater to leak alongside dormers on homes. The leak is usually caused by flashing around the dormer area being improperly installed or nonexistent. The best way to repair a roof leak around a dormer is to use step flashing. Step flashing is a structural metallic barrier between the walls of the dormer and the roof.
What Constitutes Correct Flashing Around a Dormer?
A complex flashing technique called “Step Flashing” is primarily used for waterproofing chimneys. But this style of flashing should also be applied to dormers. Step flashing will redirect the water back onto the shingle to drain into your gutter and downspout system. If one piece of flashing happens to fail, the flashing and shingle woven in under that will just take over. This is why step flashing is so efficient. Even if one piece fails you don’t have to worry about leaks in your home. But if you have straight flashing installed, you’re going to have issues sooner than later.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
A leak in a roof at the dormer can cause extensive damage and expensive repairs. Water stains appearing on the ceiling or mold growing on rafters are sure signs the leak didn’t just appear overnight. Unless it rains while you are in the attic, you may be unable to detect the leak immediately. Replicate rainfall to find the leak from either outside the dormer or inside the house to make the necessary repairs. Follow roof safety procedures when working on your roof or seek the help of someone with roofing experience. Dormer roofs are often made of a cheaper, less durable substance than the rest of the roof. Most dormer leaks occur as the flashing deteriorates and the connection between the two roofs is weakened, leading to leaks which may cause mold, stains and damage within the walls of the house. Dormer roof repairs require some time and a few tools but are considerably cheaper than replacing an interior wall damaged from the leak.