Roof Leak Repair Infographic

A roof leak is definitely not something to joke around about. If left unfixed, it can cause all kinds of damage to your home, including things like interior IS YOUR ROOF LEAKING wood rot and sheet rock damage. Plus, if it goes on for too long, the entire roof may wind up needing to be replaces. Most Common Reasons for a Roof Leak Exposure to the Elements regardless of where you live, there is going to be wind, rain, sleet or snow that can cause leaking roofs. Wind is one of the most common causes of a damaged roof as it can easily tear several shingles from the roof at once. Inadequate Construction Unfortunately, it is common to have a roof leak due to the negligence of a contractor. If the shingles are not installed correctly, it can result in several leaks as well as damage to the exterior and interior of your home. Overfull Gutters A blocked gutter causes the water to back up, push under the shingles and eventually damage the shingles. It is recommended that your gutters be cleaned at least before the beginning of each new season to avoid a buildup of leaves and debris that ultimately damage the roof. Damaged Fixtures Some of the most common sources of a roof leak are damaged fixtures on or near the roof. Chimneys, vents and skylights can all cause a leaky roof and if the damages are not repaired as soon as possible, it can lead to more extensive damage. WAYS TO GET TO THE SOURCE GUTTERS VALLEY FLASHING Though it seems unlikely, gutters can actually cause leaks. When they do not drain properly, water gets behind them and then rots the facia and soffit away from the roof, eventually allowing possible leaks. The valley flashing is used to prevent a roof leak at the points where two different roofs meet together. This type of flashing has to be wide enough to keep water from entering the vapor barrier and further. RAKE FLASHING Rake flashings are placed along the pitch of the roof, protecting it from water entering the home at the point where both sides of the roof meet. CHIMNEY FLASHING There is the metal One common place for a leak to occur with this seal around the edges of where the chimney type of flashing is where it overlaps the eave flashing. meets the roof. Located beneath the shingles, it can sometimes become bent or not sealed properly. EAVE FLASHINGS The eave flashings sit along the edges of the eave. If the flashings become damaged, missing or no longer securely sealed, water can get behind it and leak into the roof. SKYLIGHTS This is usually because they are not sealed properly or not sealed at all. Pay close attention when installing them to the manufacturer's guidelines for preventing roof leaks. What Are the Ideal Conditions for Roof Leak Investigation? WHEN IT OCCURS Its best if you can see the leak as it occurs. In order to trace a leak back to its original source it helps to visually see the active leak instead of depending on the remnants of the leak such as staining on the ceiling. WHEN IT RAINS In order to see the leak occurring it will be necessary to trace the leak during a rain or snow event. If this is not possible, it may be necessary to conduct a water test on the roof surface by saturating the suspected area with a garden hose for a period of time until the leak occurs on the inside of the home. Sources *SSD QR http://www.quickroofing.com.foof-leak.php www.quickroofing.comtoof-replacementroof-leak-01 2213.php FAIR MARKETING QUICK ROOFING http:/roofing.about.com/od/Roof-Repairs/a/Help-How-Do -Determine-What-Is-Causing-My-Roof-Leak.htm 877-497-6639 Infographic by SSD FairMarketing www.quickroofing.com www.fairmarketing.com