When a call comes into the office about a homeowner having an issue with a leaking roof, a few usual suspects always come to mind. Every roof has at least one, if not multiple, of these common leak points.
Let’s Review the Most Common Leak Points on a Roof:
1. The Area Where Flashing is Installed
The most common leaking area is where the flashing is installed. Flashings are pieces of thin gauge metal strips installed where roof lines meet chimneys, siding, or other adjoining surfaces. Think chimneys or roof lines at different heights that run up against the siding. These areas need particular care during installation to prevent future issues. This includes, but is not limited to, self-adhering underlayment. It runs both on the roof line and up behind the siding. Additionally, it involves properly installing the flashing with correct material overlap and not reusing old materials and counter flashing on brick surfaces.
2. Pipe Boot Flashings
Pipe boot flashings are another common issue. These boots go around plumbing vent pipes on the roof and are designed for waterproofing. The most common type of this flashing (sometimes called a 3 in 1) has a useful life of 8-12 years. So, they can break down well before the life cycle of the roofing material starts to fail. They also can be a common target for squirrels and other animals. Most reputable roofers have moved away from these in favor of a sturdier, longer-lasting alternative.
3.Skylights
Skylights can be great at letting natural light into our homes, brightening our days. They also are common points of entry for water into our homes. Skylights are not always replaced when a roof is, causing a 5-year-old roof to have 25-year-old skylights. Like anything, they break down over time. They need to be replaced when the roof is replaced to ensure a leak-free roof with plenty of natural sunlight. At a bare minimum, the flashings, felt paper, and sealants around the skylight need to be replaced when the roof is replaced.
4.Vents
Leaks can occur around vents that penetrate through a roof surface and can be tough to detect. They commonly will run down the roof line, damaging the home in an area several feet or more from where the water initially is entering the roof. Furthermore, typical roofing systems, particularly around ridge vents and other ventilation, are not designed to withstand driving rain during wind events. During these times, the wind can blow the water into a vent, causing it to leak in the moment when it has never leaked in the past. There is not much that can be done in these instances. It is important to ensure the roof is installed to code, within the industry-accepted tolerances. If water enters your home during a wind event, it’s best to dry out the area as quickly as possible to limit the effects of this isolated event.
5. Valleys
The last item on the list is valleys. These are any points where two roof planes meet that have different angles or pitches. These areas again need special attention during the installation of the roof. This could involve installing additional underlayment protection or installing a metal valley pan to ensure no leaks occur down the road.
If you have an active leak or just a roof that is starting to age, it is always best practice to call a reputable roofer. Have them come out to inspect, document, and discuss any damages found or maintenance needs that could prolong the life of the roof.
