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7 common roof leaks and how to fix them
Dealing with a leaky roof? These are seven of the most common types of roof leaks as well as how to fix them and tips to protect your home from future damage.
Seven very common types of roof leaks exist that you should look out for, according to kling the issue promptly is wise. Unfortunately, the causes of common roof leaks vary widely, and although most roofing materials are fairly robust, they don’t last forever. It pays to inspect your roof regularly to look for any tell-tale signs of damage. Here's how to spot common issues with your home's roof.S
The most common roof leaks
Although not exhaustive, seven very common types of roof leaks exist that you should look out for, according to Bill Ragan Roofing Company, a roofer based in Tennessee.
How to fix the most common roof leak
When it comes to maintaining the integrity of your roof, prevention is better than cure. Many issues that cause leaks can be avoided with regular inspections. Such inspections are a cost-effective way of mitigating damage and can potentially help avoid costly repairs.
Checking for damaged or cracked shingles (including any curled edges), cracked flashing, ceiling stains, or sagging roof structures. If you identify damage or imperfections in any of these areas, you’ll need to know what you’re doing if you attempt to fix the problem yourself.
If you want to know how to fix a roof leak, try to identify the source of the leak. According to Family Handyman, the first thing to do is to look at roof penetrations, such as chimneys and pipe boots, as these are a common source of leaks. If you have access to your attic, you may see water spots or tracks along the underside of the roof cladding, which can help pinpoint water damage. If this doesn't work, try running water across sections of your roof with a garden hose, with a helper inside the house who can tell you when and where drips appear.
For many roof leaks, it is possible to conduct the repair work yourself. Here are some tips and tricks to fix some of the most common types of roof leaks.
Pipe boot failure
A pipe boot is a type of flashing installed around the base of any pipes that protrude from your roof. If your pipe boot is cracked or damaged, it may cause water infiltration. The best way to fix this problem is to replace the damaged pipe boot with a new one.
First, remove the old, damaged pipe boot and inspect the decking underneath. If there are damaged shingles or woodwork, you'll also need to remove and replace them. Once any problem shingles have been repaired, fitting a new pipe boot is a relatively straightforward process. The new pipe boot should be installed over the top of the vent pipe, and you’ll need to ensure that it fits snugly, to ensure a secure, watertight fit. Secure the pipe boot in position with new nails and a small amount of roof caulking to prevent further leaks.
Improperly driven nails
Any roofing nails that aren’t driven properly can cause water infiltration. Identifying problematic nails doesn’t require the eagle eyes of an expert. You’re looking for any nails that were inserted at an angle or that may not have been fully driven in. Searching for roof shingles that have curled at the edges is a good place to start.
Once you identify the problem nails, carefully lift the affected roof shingle and remove the incorrectly placed nail. Assuming the shingle itself is undamaged, place it back into position and drive in a new nail, making sure to reseal the shingle with roof cement. This will provide a good watertight seal.
If the shingle is cracked or damaged when you remove the old nail, you should replace it before driving in a new nail.
Cracked roof flashing
Roof flashing directs water away from certain areas of your roof, such as chimneys. Roof flashing is a key component for the integrity of your roof. If flashing is compromised it can lead to significant problems. Small cracks in the flashing can be patched up by cleaning the affected area and then sandpapering the area to roughen it. This helps remove accumulated rust or corrosion.
Apply a small amount of roof cement, and then seal over the cement with a small piece of flashing tape. You can add an extra dab of roof cement on top of the applied flashing tape if you want to strengthen the patch.
Debris in gutters
Excessive leaves and debris in your gutters can prevent water from flowing and cause overspills to occur. Any clumps of debris should be removed by hand and scooped free. You can then flush the gutters with a hose using a high-pressure setting for the best results. Finally, you should also check the integrity of your gutters by scanning them for signs of wear and tear, including cracks and rust spots.
Regularly checking your gutters is recommended, and easy, because it can stop any damaging build-up.
Chimney leaks
Chimney leaks can be caused by damaged flashing or cracked mortar (on a bricked chimney). Some chimney leaks are more serious than others. Repairing or patching the flashing can fix minor issues. If the existing flashing has been compromised, you should check for any underlying damage and consider adding new flashing around the chimney, applying roof cement along the edges to create a strong seal.
Cracks in the chimney crown, which sits atop a chimney and directs water to its sides, can be treated and patched with mortar, which can then be solidified with a brushable sealant. Serious chimney leaks may require the services of a professional roofer. If you suspect your chimney needs to be replaced, consult the professionals.
Improperly installed skylights
If your skylights are improperly installed accumulated water can seep through the seals. Occasionally, skylights suffer minor leaks due to condensation, as opposed to an improper installation. However, a persistent leak is more likely the result of a flawed installation. If you have a leaky skylight, check it from the inside and the outside for signs of damage to the glass, flashing or sealant. The surrounding shingles may also be damaged, so check for this as well.
You may be able to patch broken seals and secure loose or damaged flashing by applying sealant to the affected area, though severely damaged flashing may need to be replaced. You can use a flashing kit to replace damaged flashing around your skylight.
Ice dam leaks
Ice dam leaks occur following winter storms when ice or snow melts on a warm roof and the water refreezes across the eaves, according to This Old House. As more water melts up high, it can get trapped behind the ice as it rolls down, which acts like a dam to stop the flow. Any additional water can either freeze over, adding to the ice dam that’s already built up, or seep underneath your shingles, causing leaks inside your home.
To remove ice dams, try using a long-handled roof rake to scrape away ice deposits. For interior leaks, try aiming a cold fan at the leak to help the water freeze over; this can buy you some time to arrange a more permanent fix.
Metal roofs vs. shingles and common roof leaks
The most widely used types of roofing are metal and shingles, and there’s no hard and fast answer as to which type is best. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so understanding the differences is essential before deciding which option is best for you.
Let’s start with their life expectancy. Metal roofs are the clear winner here, with an estimated lifespan of between 40 to 70 years. In contrast, a shingle roof usually lasts 15 to 20 years. Naturally, this means that the cost of installing a metal roof is much higher than that of a shingle roof, but you can expect fewer common roof leaks in the immediate future with a metal roof, assuming it's properly installed.
Shingle roofs are cheaper to install (in terms of the upfront cost) due to the square-foot material cost of metal and the fact that installing a metal roof is a far more specialized process, according to Dream Roof. Opting for a shingle roof will save you money in the short term, but it could be a false economy if you’re unaware of its limited lifespan. You'll also likely spot common roof leaks sooner.
Generally speaking, a metal roof is more durable and requires less maintenance work than a shingle roof, though you’ll pay a premium for this convenience. On the downside, metal roofs are arguably the less versatile choice. Shingles are available in a huge variety of colors and styles, for example, and can be matched against virtually any type of home design. Metal roofs offer limited color options, and can be aesthetically unsuitable for certain types of homes.
Additionally, metal roofs can be more susceptible to dents and scratches. In particular, aluminum and copper roofing tends to be softer and more malleable than other types of metal roofing, making them more vulnerable to damage from things such as hailstorms. However, steel and zinc roofs are stronger and more resistant.
When choosing the right roof for your home, it's always wise to consult a professional roofer or roofing company to help you make a more informed decision. Whatever roofing materials you choose, be vigilant and check regularly for signs of wear and tear and damage, including these common leaks. Spotting a leaking roof quickly is the best way to minimize water infiltration and could save you a small fortune in repair work.
