6 Common Areas Where Roof Leaks Occur
Roof leaks might seem like an unpredictable nuisance, but there are certain areas on your roof where leaks occur with greater frequency due to their shape, flashing, or location. These areas should be monitored to detect damage early, before it turns into a big, leaky mess. Springtree Restoration provides roof inspections and repairs to homes and businesses across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Here are some of the most common areas for rooftop leaks.
The Shingle Rows
Leaks often happen within the field of shingles. Sometimes shingles develop cracks due to age, wear and tear, and unrepaired damage. We recommend having a professional roofing contractor climb up on your roof to do a thorough inspection. At Springtree Restoration, our experienced team is accustomed to navigating roofs of all types. We know how to walk over tiles and wooden shake shingles safely and without causing them damage. Our experts use their trained eyes to discover possible sources of the leak, including protruding nails, bare patches and damaged underlayment.
The Valleys
The place where two roofing panes intersect is known as the valley. Valleys are typically reinforced with metal flashing or rolled roofing, but anywhere a seam exists, a leak can potentially occur. The shingles must be trimmed in a certain way to avoid promoting leaks. If they are trimmed improperly, the shingle will have a chisel point that allows water to travel down into your home.
Around the Chimney
Chimneys are, unfortunately, a common source of roof leaks. The chimney system has various types of flashing that must all fit together just right to keep water out. If any of the flashing or counter-flashing fails, water can seep into the chimney and eventually end up in your home. The integrity of the mortar is important as well. Even a tiny hairline crack can be an entry point for copious amounts of moisture.
The Head Wall Flashing
When roofing stops at a wall, metal flashing is used to direct streaming water away from the endpoints of the shingles. There should be a minimum of a three inch overhang past the shingles. If this has not been installed properly, or if materials like caulk or roofing cement have been used to try and patch the flashing before, there could be a weak area beneath where water can seep in.
The Plumbing Vent Flashing
Plumbing vent flashing, along with most newer flashings, use aluminum and a rubber seal. These materials tend to have shorter lifespans and can fail within 10 to 15 years of installation, especially in areas where severe weather is common. Look for cracks and other damage that might indicate an impending leak. You should be able to see the bottom half of the flashing and it should cover the shingles.
Inside the Attic
Some roof leaks are actually attic condensation that flows down into the home, where it causes water damage and the possible onset of mold and mildew. If you notice moisture on the underside of your roof sheathing, or if you see the paint on the ceiling begin to crack, bubble, or become discolored, it’s time to get an inspection.
Call Springtree Restoration When You Suspect a Roof Leak
Roof leaks can happen at any time, especially after storms have blown through the area. Since North Texas has one of the most volatile storm seasons in the nation, we recommend having a professional roof inspection twice a year. Springtree Restoration is happy to come out and look at your roof to see if there are soft spots, weak areas, or signs of damaged flashing that could allow water to get through. We serve the entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, so give us a call today!
