Articles | Common Sources of Roof Leaks

A leaking roof can be a property owner's nightmare. When the roof isn't keeping water out as it should the resulting damage to the home and its contents can become costly. Here we will discuss some of the more common sources of roof leaks. These areas can and should be inspected regularly by the property owner or a qualified contractor.

Flashing refers to materials used for waterproofing both on and around the roof. Flashing materials available today include rubber and synthetics but the most common is aluminum. Flashing's main purpose of course is to move water away from or off of the roof but if not installed properly or if damaged, flashing will not be able to do its job properly leading to water coming through the roof and into the home.

Chimneys and skylights not only add character and function to a home but if not installed or maintained properly they can become a point of entry into the home for water. Chimneys and skylights are made water tight at the time of their installation by the use of flashing techniques and sealants. Over time both of these products can need replacement or repair. Noticeable leaking from skylights typically means that the flashing has separated from the shingles or they were never joined properly. With chimneys, first inspect the masonry for damage. Hail or debris from the high winds of a storm and simple weathering all take their toll on masonry. Next look at the flashing used. Just like skylights, the flashing around a chimney can come loose or be problematic if the initial installation wasn't done properly.

If in doubt as to whether or not the skylight or chimney is the source of the leak, do this simple yet very effective test. On a dry day, place a garden hose on the roof near the chimney or skylight and open the faucet half way. If either of these structures are the source of the leak in your roof, you'll soon know.

Valleys are the lines where two roof planes intersect. Due to the variety in roofing materials and different methods employed during installation valleys are often dealt with in different ways. Some roof installers will use flashing while others will simply interlace shingles. Either way, valleys are a common point of entry for water when a roof has been damaged by weather or age or improper installation. If you're able to get up on your roof, inspect these areas for signs that it's time for repairs.

Finding the source of a leak can be either easy or frustrating depending upon the type of roof you have, the materials used in its construction, and its age. Annual or biannual inspections are the best way to keep up to date with roof maintenance and catch any potential problems before signs of water damage begin to appear in the home.