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Roof leaks can often be difficult to diagnose and are a nuisance for most homeowners. Generally finding the leak requires a bit of detective work, but knowing ahead of time those details most likely to cause leaks can be a great help.

Listed below are several common culprits in creating roof leaks:

#1  Valleys

#2  Chimneys

#3  Vents and Plumbing Flashings

#4  Roof Field

#5  Skylights

#6  Step Flashings

Roof leaks can often be difficult to diagnose and are a nuisance for most homeowners. Generally finding the leak requires a bit of detective work, but knowing ahead of time those details most likely to cause leaks can be a great help.

Listed below are several common culprits in creating roof leaks:

#1  Valleys

#2  Chimneys

#3  Vents and Plumbing Flashings

#4  Roof Field

#5  Skylights

#6  Step Flashings

#1) VALLEYS

 
A valley is the line on your roof where two roof planes meet and form a “v”. The valley can be lined with a metal flashing / 90# rolled roofing / or the shingles woven or lapped together. Because valleys collect the water from the surrounding roof areas, the possibility of a leak occurring in the valley is much greater. First check to make sure there is no debris blocking or creating a dam in the valley. Make sure there are no holes or cracks in the valley material. This last check, which is a common installation error with composition valleys, is to make sure the valley shingles are trimmed properly and that a second cut has been made to trim off the valley shingle points. If this is not done, then water can travel along the top of the shingles and find its way under the roofing material and into your house.

When you encounter any of the above conditions, get a roofing professional to provide you with a bid for making these repairs. Don’t forget to also have him inspect the entire roof when he’s up there, it’s cost effective and cheap insurance.