Roof leaks are a major hassle for homeowners, and a costly one at that. Locating a roof leak can be frustrating if you try to tackle the problem yourself; fortunately, a professional roofing company is trained to find and repair leaks efficiently. Here's what you should know about the five areas most likely to leak on a roof.
Chimney Leaks
A common location for roof leaks is the chimney. Some chimneys do not have covers and rain can fall directly into the chimney. Condensation in the chimney, cracks in the chimney crown and worn flashing are other causes of chimney leaks. Chimney flashing is metal that keeps the area between the chimney and roof watertight. Because flashing wears down over time and may be incorrectly installed, it is important to have your chimney inspected once a year to make sure that flashing is intact and secure.
Broken Shingles
Another cause for leaks is broken shingles, especially if your house is older or still has its original roof. Storms and strong winds can rip shingles from the roof and create exposed areas that you can't see without the help of a professional. Your roof may have a few broken shingles or several. Leaks caused by a severe storm may require extensive shingle repairs, especially if hail or strong winds caused a lot of damage.
Improperly Sealed Roof Valleys
A roof valley is an area where two planes of the roof come together. If the valleys are improperly sealed, a leak may result. A roofing professional can detect this problem by carefully looking for wet areas near the seams of your roof. Due to the complexity of this type of leak, sealing roof valleys should be done by a professional. Findlay Roofing can provide a free roof analysis to determine the location of your leak.
Cracked Roof Vents
Another important part of your roof is the vents, which look like small pipes that protrude from your roof. Although these pipes might look strange, their job is to get rid of excess moisture from the inside of your home. A roof vent often has flashing around it and a rubber boot to help seal the top of the vent. Over time, flashing may become worn and can crack, causing a roof leak. Your roof professional will inspect the roof vents and may replace the cracked rubber boot to resolve the problem.
Ice Dam Leaks
Ice dam leaks affect people who reside in the snow belt, where cold temperatures and ice are common. Similar to icicles, ice dams are bands of solid ice that form along the eaves and block the normal flow of water down a roof. When this happens, major problems can result. Dams can rip off gutters, damage shingles and cause water to back up and flow into your home. They are rare in north Georgia, but if you own a vacation home or rental property in a snow belt state, you may want to consult a professional who can show you how to keep ice dams from forming.
Call Findlay Roofing to evaluate your roof leaks today.
