Vents
Roof vents are a source of common roof leaks. Box vents come in two materials, metal and plastic. Plastic roof vents can be cracked by hail and flying debris. Metal roof vents can also be damaged in storms and high winds, eventually corroding and leaking.
Turbine vents can also cause major roof leaks due to high winds blowing off turbine tops leaving a very large hole in your roof. If not repaired quickly, even a small storm can cause massive amounts of damage.
Nail Penetrations
Exposed nail penetrations must be sealed regularly with a silicone-based caulk sealant. The sealants hold up to severe weather, but after a few years, the sealant will break down and lose its adhesion. Inspecting nail penetrations is crucial to every roof inspection and evaluation we perform.
Flashing
Roof flashings are used in roof to vertical transitions like against siding or a chimney. Flashings can be installed incorrectly or rust and fail. Flashings should be inspected regularly to keep them in the best condition.
Siding
Sometimes roof leaks are not roof leaks at all, sometimes they are siding leaks. Two-story homes with siding walls that buts up to roof shingles or the siding on a chimney are prime candidates for leaks. Siding should be cut above the roof to prevent the siding from absorbing the water, swelling, and eventually rotting.
Maintaining the exterior paint is also essential to prevent water leaks. Paint and caulking protect the siding materials and seals them from the water.
Lifted Shingles
Lifted shingles mean that the seal has broken or become ineffective. High winds blow up the shingles and allow wind-driven rain to get under the shingles, compromising the roofing system. Lifted shingles can be repaired or replaced depending on if the shingles were damaged.
Broken Shingles
As asphalt shingles age, they become brittle, crack and break. Broken shingles need to be repaired immediately to keep water leaks to a minimum. However, sometimes broken shingles are not repairable when the roof is already too old and brittle. Trying to repair these roofs will just break the shingles around the repair.
Missing Shingles
High winds blow shingles off the roof, exposing the felt paper or deck below. Missing shingles allow water under the shingle system and in through the roof deck. If you discover shingles in the yard, contact a roofing company immediately.