So I thought I’d offer some ideas on common roof leaks.
Roof leaks can be a real problem. They don’t go away on their own and they can be very difficult to diagnose
Water runs down hill… (gravity works)… However, horizontal home frame boards or other obstacles and cause a problem with the roof leak diagnosis. A leak may actually be 10 feet horizontal from where you see the wet ceiling or find moisture in the attic.Finding the source of some leaks is relatively easy. Others will require extensive work and may require a water test which involves the use of water hose and a person in the home looking for the leak.
The Field of Shingles
I have said before that typically the shingles themselves are usually not the source for leaks. However, if roof is older, or you have damage from wind or hail the shingles may be the cause of the leak. Usually this will be caused by cracks, tears, or holes where the granules have worn off over time, exposing the asphalt. Asphalt will deteriorate over time when exposed to UV rays from the sun, allowing water to enter. If you have a wood shingle, slate or other composite type roofing system, usually multiple layers of roofing provides waterproofing protection... when these are damaged, leaks can occur. With field leaks, usually spot repairs can be made, otherwise the slope or the entire roof may need to be replaced, depending on the damage or the problem.
Chimneys
Chimneys are a primary source of many leaks. They may contain as many as four different types of flashing. Small cracks or holes in the flashing may cause serious problems. Some roofers will try and repair chimney leaks with caulk. This is only a temporary repair and is not recommended. Installing the flashing and counterflasing correctly is the only true solution.
Valleys
Valleys can be big problems if the shingles are not installed correctly. Clipping the corners of the valley shingle can result in tremendous leaks, as the water will travel horizontally at the valley. If a valley is leaking, often times the only remedy is to tear out and re-install the valley, correctly.
Wall Flashing
Some roof leaks happen at step flashings. You find these flashings where a roof climbs alongside a vertical wall or where the roof terminates at a vertical wall. Metal flashing must be in place to direct water streaming down the wall away from the stopping point of the shingles. This flashing may be behind wood siding or in front of a brick wall. Again, the use of caulk to fix leaks at wall flashing is not recommended.
Vent Flashings
Many vent flashings incorporate a rubber seal with an aluminum flashing. The rubber can fail quickly and can be the source of a leak. Additionally, the flashing should be properly fit in to the field shingles to assure proper water flow. Caulking is only a temporary repair here…
Ice Dams
Ice dam can occur when snow accumulates on the slanted roof of a house with inadequate insulation. Heat conducted through the insufficient insulation and warm air from the attic bypasses warms the roof and melts the snow on those areas of the roof that are above living spaces, but does not melt the snow on roof overhangs. Meltwater flows down the roof, under the blanket of snow, onto the eave and into the gutter, where colder conditions on the overhang cause it to re-freeze… Proper water proofing membranes (Ice & water shield) will help keeping the ice dam from causing a leak.
Non-Roof Leaks
Sometimes you think you have a roof leak when in reality, you roof is fine, and there are other factors causing water to enter your home. A prime example is attic condensation that is typically caused by humidity. Often this humidity is caused by shower vents going directly in to the attic, or water heaters inside attics. The key to limit condensation is proper ventilation (allowing all humidity to escape your attic). Other sources of non roof leaks include cracked or broken chimney caps, siding and/or window leaks. Again, a water test may be required to find out the true culprit of a leak.
Each one of Reroof America’s offices have skilled managers that experts at diagnosing leaks. Call a Reroof America office near you… or go to our website to find your closest Reroof America location.
We have offices in:
Glendale, AZ (Phoenix area)
Wheat Ridge, CO (Denver area)
Oklahoma (Tulsa and OKC)
Raytown, MO (KC area)
O’Fallon, MO (STL area)
Schaumburg, IL (Chicago area)
Bloomington, MN (Twin cities area)
Harahan, LA (SE Louisiana)
