Know Where To Start Your Search.
Leaks: the roofer’s nemesis. They’ll sneak up on homeowners and can cause a great deal of damage—very expensive damage if left unresolved—to the roof and everything underneath. While these repairs can be a source of income to roofers, the leaks themselves are considered enemies because of the damage they can do to a home or building, and to the reputation of a roofer—especially if they appear on a roof that’s fairly new.
Leaks can be difficult to detect until they’ve been active for a while and damage starts to appear. Or, if there is active dripping that is seen or heard. This detection usually comes from the homeowner or business. They can report drips, moist areas, or discoloration of ceilings and walls inside the home or building. But the evidence of the leak, as roofers know all too well, is not necessarily in the same place as where the water is coming from. Finding the source can be the tricky part. Common sources of roof leaks that you should examine include:
Damaged or missing shingles: Shingles can crack, warp, or get dislodged due to age, weather, or poor installation, exposing the underlying roof to water infiltration.
Clogged gutters: When gutters are blocked by debris like leaves and dirt, water can back up and seep under the roofline, causing leaks.
Flashing issues: Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights that is cracked, loose, or improperly installed, will allow water to penetrate. Marco recommends flashing products made of EPDM or silicone and compounded specifically for maximum resistance to weathering due to ozone and ultraviolet light.
Cracked or improperly sealed roof vents: Roof vents help release moisture and heat, but if the seals around them wear out or crack due to age or poor quality, water can leak in through these points.
Valley issues: The valleys where two roof slopes meet can collect a lot of water. If these areas are not properly sealed or if the materials are worn, leaks can develop.
Chimney cracks or gaps: Water can enter through cracks in the chimney structure or where the chimney meets the roof if the flashing or caulking around it is deteriorated.
Skylight leaks: Poorly installed or aged skylights can allow water to leak around their edges, especially if the flashing is damaged.
Low-quality or Insufficient sealants: Sealants are vital to the integrity (and energy efficiency) of your building. Not using enough, using it improperly, or using a low-quality product will allow water to seep in at the sealant point.
Ice dams: In colder climates, ice dams can form when snow melts and refreezes at the roof’s edge, trapping water behind the ice that can seep under shingles and into the roof.
Of course, it’s always wise to consider two big-picture situations that could be leading to leaks as well.
Age and wear: Over time, roofing materials naturally degrade, and the roof’s ability to keep out water diminishes, especially after 20-25 years.
Poor roof slope: A roof that’s too flat or not properly angled can fail to shed water properly, leading to water pooling and eventual leaks.
Leaks can damage property and reputations quickly. Knowing where to look can help your repair them more quickly. Using quality materials can help you avoid them altogether.
To learn more about Marco’s variety of flashing, roof vent, and sealant solutions, visit www.MarcoIndustries.com. To contact us directly, you can email or call 1-800-800-8590.
