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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.

 

Roof Valley Leaks?

Where are Roof Valleys?

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.

Based on how ridges and valleys are formed, it is easy to see how they can be the source of a roof leak.  A damaged ridge cap is one reason. Incorrectly installed ridge beams or boards also pose a risk.  Broken shingles and inadequate flashing spell bad news for roof valleys, whether open or closed. Water collects in the valleys, and if it seeps underneath your first couple of roofing layers, water can damage your system.

It Is Very Common For Leak to Occur At a Valley

A roof valley is where two sloped roofs meet on a home.  This is the point where stormwater will collect and flow into your gutter and downspout system.  The way the valley is constructed in a shingle roof installation is critical. When improperly installed and flashed, valleys pose a major risk for serious leaking problems. Though valleys are not considered a roofing penetration, they are still required to be flashed and waterproofed.

What Are Common Mistakes when Flashing a Valley?

Roof leaks in many different places are common.  However, homeowners contact us all the time about water leaking into their home around valleys.  The leak is usually caused by flashing at the valley area being improperly installed or nonexistent all together. This sloppy work is usually done by inexperienced roofers or general contractors. The best way to avoid leaks all together is to hire a professional roofing contractor. The most efficient way to repair a leaking valley is to install valley flashing.  A high percentage of valleys are not flashed let alone flashed improperly because these roof repair companies don’t know the basics.  Regardless of what went wrong, when a valley is left exposed the risk of damage inside your home is high.

What Constitutes Proper Flashing At a Valley

Correct valley flashing is not difficult to achieve.  In fact, it is quite simple for professional roof contractors to produce a reliable valley flashing installation.  Valley flashing is simple to understand.  Its a this piece of metal that is installed prior to the final roofing material.  It takes the exact shape of the valley and runs its entire length.  This will give stormwater a definitive path as it travels down your roof and into the gutter and downspout system.  Most the time a GC will weave the shingles together at a valley.  Which is exactly what shingle manufacturers recommend not to do.  Now maybe on a steeper slope that will hold up for a little while.  But with a slow slope, water is going to spend more time on the roof which gives it more time to penetrate through.

Common Problems with Roof Valleys

1. Underlayment

Leaks in roof valleys are often due to underlayment issues.  The type of underlayment, its size, and the installation method all affect the lifespan of your valley.  Underlayment can last as long as 25 years when the underlayment is installed correctly.  However, improper installation or low-quality materials can cause problems within just a few years.

For instance, inexperienced roofers use roll roofing as the valley underlayment on asphalt shingle roofs.  Though the product is only rated for a maximum 10-year life span, shingles can last for 25 years depending on how old the roof is and what type of material it was made from.  While roll roofing can be used on many different roofs, it is not recommended for asphalt shingle roofs.  The better option for valley underlayment is to use galvanized steel or aluminum flashing, which provides a more durable layer. Always use 26-gauge or thicker flashing.

2. Thermal Expansion

Thermal expansion is another major issue.  The valley underlayment will expand in warm weather and may wrinkle as a result. If you install metal valley underlayment, the wrinkles can cause holes, cracks, or tears. The wrinkles themselves can become large enough to redirect the water flow beneath the roofing material.  Valley underlayment should be installed in small sections to avoid thermal expansion damage.  Make each piece two to three feet wide and no more than eight to ten feet long.  Larger underlayment pieces will expand more than smaller ones, making them more likely to wrinkle or buckle.

 

3. Cross Wash

Cross wash is a problem that affects the valleys of a roof — it happens when water flows up one side of the valley instead of down.  Although cross wash doesn’t damage roofs, it can cause leaks and roofing problems over time.

There are a few potential fixes involved here: first, ensure that the roofing material is fastened adequately along the valley’s edges.  When in confusion, run a bead of sealant where the roofing material meets the valley underlayment to prevent cross wash leaks.  Second, look for damage to the underside of your shingles.  If there is any curl or buckling, replace them ASAP to avoid further water damage.

If you’re going to attempt to repair roof valleys and stop leaks yourself, its best to have someone to help.  Start by clearing any debris away from the valley.  Roof valleys can be repaired by patching any holes or inserting a sheet of metal along the length of the valley depending on the severity of damage.

Roof valleys are an important part of your roof and not to be taken lightly.  You should know that lack of maintenance or poor construction will always lead to roof valley leaks and the deterioration of more expensive parts that will ultimately cost more money to repair.  For that reason, check your roof valleys regularly to ensure they are in good health.

It’s advisable to contact a professional roofing company if you are inexperienced since failing to fix roof valley leaks properly can cost you more money in the long run.