Happy New Year! It hasn’t been your typical winter here in southeastern Wisconsin with the temperature fluctuating and probably seeing more rain than snow, too! With this rain and warmer winter temperatures, we wanted to discuss common areas on your roof that may be potential sources for leaks to begin.
Field of Shingles
A variety of things can lead to missing or broken shingles. The weather, a fallen branch, and even time can be the reason for a leak. Shingles can crack and erode over time leaving room for water to venture its way underneath the shingles, to the wood underlay, and eventually into your home. Walking up on your roof can cause shingles to become loose as well. If you spot missing or broken shingles, it’s best to get these repaired before further damage occurs.
Roof Leaks by Flashing
Flashing are metal pieces placed at a roof’s edges and at joints in order to ensure a water resistant barrier between your home and the great outdoors. If this flashing becomes exposed and cracks, there is the potential for a leak to occur. Flashing should be sealed together, but that seal can corrode over time, leaving your flashing exposed and vulnerable to wear and tear of Mother Nature. If you have determined that this is the reason for a leak, we can come out and replace the flashing that is exposed and any shingles that may have been damaged as well.
Leaky Roof Valley
A valley on your roof is where two sections or planes of your roof come together. These valleys are typically covered with flashing but can also be covered by lacing shingles over one another. If there are issues with flashing in these areas as mentioned above or shingles aren’t tightly laced together, this may be the source of a roof leak. Stepping on a valley, rain, ice, snow, or wind can cause issues in roof valleys. If you aren’t sure what the problem is or you aren’t sure the source of your leak, feel free to give us a call to come check out what is going on.
Leaky Roof Chimney
The culprit of most roof leaks is the chimney. Flashing plays an important role in keeping a chimney water-resistant and the mortar around the top of the chimney can tear as well. There can be holes or cracks in the joints where the chimney meets your roof. If you determine that your chimney is the source of your leak, it is important to replace missing mortar and repair any bent, broken, or missing flashing. All chimneys are made up of different materials, so it’s best to contact a professional to get the job done properly for your home.
Leaking Roof Into Attic
The attic is not technically part of the roof, but it plays a large role in your roof’s longevity. Condensation can accumulate in your attic creating a perfect climate for mold and mildew to grow. Because your attic has the outdoor temperature above and the temperature of your home below, condensation can form leading to moisture in your attic. In order to prevent this issue before it happens, make sure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated to allow moist air to escape. If you do end up facing issues with moisture, mold, and mildew, it is important to treat any mold/mildew growth first then tackling the moisture problem.
We have covered a variety of topics in the past about what roofing issues can arise in the winter months. Be sure to check out the rest of our blog and read up on how to keep your roof in tip-top condition during all four seasons! Contact us via our website form or call (262) 662-5311 to schedule a free roofing inspection.
