Toledo Roofers: Article About Understanding Roof Leaks
The roof valley is the low point or inside angle where two slopes of the roof join to form a V shape. This is the area where water naturally flows, so proper flashing is crucial in order to avoid water leaks.
Question and answer courtesy of the Toledo roofing contractors from Johnson Roofing: Why would a new roof be leaking only during heavy rainstorms?There can be many causes for this type of water leak. If the leak is in the roof valley, the problem might be missing flashing or flashing that was not properly installed. Sometimes, the problem might not actually be a roof leak. Rain can be blown into a home during heavy storms. Wind pushes the rain through attic or soffit vents. Diagnosing the exact cause of the problem is something that will likely require assistance from a professional roofing contractor.
When a roof develops a leak, finding the cause and getting it fixed as quickly as possible is imperative. Roof leaks can cause a great deal of damage, but they can also be elusive. Finding the source of a roof leak requires an understanding of the roofing materials and how water can travel. Toledo roofers handle these problems on a regular basis and can help quickly diagnose and repair roof leaks, which is an important step in preventing further damage.
Many homeowners are under the false assumption that all roof leaks can be traced back to faulty roofing materials such as a breakdown of shingles due to aging and years of exposure to the elements. While many roofing leaks can be attributed to normal aging, there are also plenty of other causes. For example, roof leaks can be caused by poor installation and workmanship when the original roof was installed, improper roof maintenance and defective roofing materials. Additionally, even some circumstances are misdiagnosed as a roof leak when the real problem is something else entirely.
All roofing materials are susceptible to aging, especially after many years being exposed to wind, sun, heat and cold.
Roofing contractors from Johnson Roofing of Toledo would be happy to answer any questions you have about commercial roofing or residential roofing.
Of course, some roofing materials offer a longer life expectancy than others do. Asphalt shingles are extremely common in North America; these shingles typically come with a 20 to 30 year warranty. Other roofing systems such as clay tile, metal shingle and slate roofs have a much longer life expectancy but can still be susceptible to deterioration over time. Roof leaks caused by failing roofing materials will likely need to be replaced, especially when the entire roof is showing signs of aging.
Roof leaks also commonly occur when the roof was not installed properly. If flashing around protrusions, such as plumbing vents, chimneys and skylights, is not installed properly or there is inadequate flashing in the roof valley, leaks are likely to develop. Other leaks that can be traced back to poor workmanship include improper installation of gutters as well as improper shingle placement or nailing.
Many roof leaks can also be caused by improper maintenance. For example, walking on fragile roofs, like clay tile, can result in cracks or other types of damage. Tiles that are damaged can compromise the watertight property of the roof. Clogged gutters and drains can cause water to back up and seep under the roof. There are also leaks that have nothing to do with the roof.
