Some of the Most Common Roof Leak Locations

Finding the source of some leaks is easy. Others will require detective work and possibly a garden hose and an inside spotter. If you don't feel comfortable on a roof, you will have to find an honest roofer to assist you. Sometimes this can be as hard as finding the smallest leak. Here are some tips that may help you find a pesky roof leak.

Chimneys

Chimneys contain four different types of flashing. All must be right or you will have a leak. Plus, the counterflashing that goes into the brick mortar joint must be right. A hairline crack above the flashing can allow vast amounts of water to run behind the flashings. Look for soldered corners of flashing that might have broken or have holes. Do not use caulk to repair these flashings.

Ice Dam Leaks

These leaks can happen even if everything on your roof is just fine. Ice dams block the natural flow of water down a roof. The water begins to back up under flashings, shingles, tar paper, etc. Once water begins to flow into the house, it can drip for days. The only means of prevention is to install membranes under the roofing. The membranes won't stop the ice but will stop water leaks if installed properly.

Wind and Rain Leaks

Wind driven rain can also be a major problem. You could actually have a good roof and wind will drive water up and under your roofing materials. The only lines of defense are tar paper and the ice dam membranes.

If you have metal valleys, you may want to hem the edges. This means that the hidden edges of the valley actual have a 180 degree bend. This creates a channel that directs wind blown rain back to the bottom of the valley.

Roof Ventilation

Attic ventilation is an important part of roofing. Proper attic ventilation extends the life of a roof and reduces problems because it minimizes the temperature differential between the attic and the air outside. Proper ventilation will remove moisture and heat from the attic. Trapped heat and moisture can raise energy costs, cause ice dams, and damage roof system components as well as structural and personal items located inside the attic where temperatures can easily reach 150° F. Condensation that forms inside attics can be caused by the use of washing machines, dish washers, bath tubs, showers, and tumble driers unless these items are properly ventilated through the roof. In some cases the condensation can be bad enough to be mistaken for a roof leak.

Roof vents become particularly important in the summertime because without them them attic of a home can become extremely hot resulting in cracking wood and premature aging. The heat buildup can also make your air conditioning less efficient, or if you don't have any AC it can make the home unbearably hot in the warmer months. Either way, you are faced with higher energy bills. If you have air conditioning you will be turning up the thermostat during the summer months.

Roof ventilation is also very important in the winter months. If you have a poor ventilation system it will cause condensation to build up inside your attic due to the warm air from appliances and showers, as previously stated above. There is a host of problems that will occur as a result, including wood rot and mold. Sometimes the condensation can become so intense during the winter months that it will begin to appear as a roof leak.

There a two different kinds a roof vents that you will find in a proper ventilation system. There are intake vents that are located around the eaves, and there are exhaust vents that are found near the ridge line of your roof. The only way to tell if your roof ventilation system is working properly is to hire a roofing contractor who can inspect your attic. So give us a call at Belle Roofing and we will send out one of our experts to see if your roof is properly ventilated today.