Where Roof Leaks Often Occur
Use this quick reference guide to hunt down costly leaks before they start…
Roof leaks in Portland are all too common, yet they are completely preventable.Every home’s roof or commercial building’s roofing system should be routinely checked to make sure that the roof is in good working order and free of roof leaks.When your home or commercial building does have a leak present there are 13 common places that most often will need to be fixed to stop that leak before it gets worse.
1.Head Wall Flashing- Flashing here must extend at least three inches beyond the flashing protecting the vertical wall area found here.Without the proper flashing in place rainfall will enter the
roof in these places causing leaks and other damages to occur.
2.Wall Step Flashing- Search for rusty flashing, holes that are present, or other damages to the area where the roof rises near a vertical wall. When the flashing is damaged in any way there are ways
that water will find its way into the home or building.
3.Vent Flashing- All the attic vents and plumbing vents exiting the roof must have tightly installed flashing around these points. When rubber seals are present they can often fail with UV exposure and enough time.These roof vent’s flashing are a very common place to find a leak source and must be regularly inspected to prevent leaks and roof damage. With any place the has an opening into the roof structure there comes a greater risk of developing a roof leak
4.Valley Flashing- It is possible that a builder error in not protecting valleys properly can occur here.A roof’s valley must be protected and flashed correctly to prevent roof leaks from occurring.
There are many proven techniques used by professional roofers in protecting a roof’s valley from developing a leak.When the flashing used or the shingles are not performing correctly it is very easy for
a roof to leak in this area.
5. A/C & Furnace Flashing- AC vents can be made into what is commonly called a storm collar.This metal flashing must be in place, free of tears, cracks, or other holes to prevent water from leaking. These are some of the largest openings on a roof and must be carefully inspected to prevent a roof leak from causing greater damage when there area active signs of a leaky roof.When the flashing is exposed you can be sure that water can and will enter the home or commercial building in these places.
6. Chimneys- A tiny crack in a chimney can promote a water leak in a home.The flashing used around a chimney must also be in perfect condition to prevent water from finding its way into the home at this location.With a large amount of potential holes, gaps, and cracks a home’s chimney is a likely cause for water to enter a roof and cause a serious and costly leak. Chimneys should be regularly inspected and caulked each season to prevent roof leaks.
7. Brick Damage In Chimneys- Even a small crack in the mortar or bricks can allow a roof to leak and damage to occur with a roof system. When the bricks begin to fail they must be fixed or replaced as soon as possible. Whenever there are holes in the bricks it is possible for water to begin entering the structure.
8.Loose Nails- This is a hole leading directly to the roof’s sheathing and will often promote a leak even in the smallest area of the roof.Loose nails will also allow water to get within the shingles and to make contract with the roof’s sheathing. This will promote rot, can warp the sheathing, and with enough exposure the water will begin to enter the roof and cause a serious leak. Loose nails are an easy and very inexpensive fix that will help to prevent many roof leaks.
9. Missing Or Damaged Shingles and Tiles- Water can leak into spots that are damaged or missing tiles. Bare spots in asphalt shingles are clear sign of trouble when it comes to roof leaks.A cracked tile is another place that water can enter in a roof. The roof’s tiles or shingles are the main line of defense in keeping water out of the home or commercial building.
10.Ice Dams- When ice is forming on your roof there will be a possibility of developing a roof leak. Ice can also block the flow of water on a roof allowing water to collect and pool up. If there is an active water leak and there is also ice collecting or damming water on the roof this could be a sign for where water is entering the home or commercial building.
11.Heavy Wind Damage- When heavy winds blow rain it is possible that water is getting beneath shingles that do not have tar paper and ice damn membranes beneath them. A roof in a heavy rain climate must have protection to keep the rain from entering the home or commercial building. The heavy winds can cause rain to go sideways and all other directions making even the smallest of open places risks for a water leak in your roof.
12.Attic Condensation- Faulty ventilation could keep moisture trapped in your attic.This trapped moisture will lead to roof damage and could cause a leak if there is enough gathered water.There can also be damage done to the roof’s insulation when there is excessive attic condensation building up.
13.Damaged Or Missing Siding- If water can find a place to enter it will do just that and can cause damage quickly once it gets behind a wall and into the roof system.Anytime there is missing siding the flashing and other protective components are not going to keep water out from these areas.