If you suspect a leak, check the attic for water stains and signs of moisture. Also inspect the bottom of rafters and areas where two planes meet.
If you have attic access, head up on a sunny day and look around with a flashlight. You can even remove a few shingles if necessary to closely examine the roof deck for discolored paper, rot or water stains. Contact Roof Leak Repair NJ for professional help.
The first place to look for signs of roof leaks is the shingle itself. If a shingle is damaged, water can leak through the affected area and into your home. If the damage is severe enough, it will cause a noticeable stain or drip on your ceiling and walls.
Shingles can be damaged by wind, hail and the sun’s ultraviolet rays. In addition, improperly ventilated attics can create excessive heat that causes shingles to curl up or lose their adhesiveness. Other common shingle problems include a creased or dislodged edge, a bubbled area, and loose granules. If you notice any of these problems, it’s important to repair them as soon as possible before the moisture seeps into your home.
A strong storm can dislodge or even completely remove a shingle. But if you have a good roof, the damage is generally not as bad as it may seem. Wind speed, direction and other factors affect the severity of shingle damage. A professional inspector will consider all of these factors and other indicators such as shutters, tree branches and the roofs of neighboring homes to accurately assess your shingle damage.
To begin repairing your shingle, slip a pry bar under the damaged shingle and pry upward. As you pry, a nail will pop up about 1/4 inch from the surface of the shingle. Using the pry bar, gently pull up the shingle and then pry upward again. Repeat this process until you have loosened and removed all eight nails from the shingle.
Once you’ve removed the nails from the damaged shingle, use your pry bar to loosen the tabs of the surrounding shingles. This allows you to easily pull them free and replace the damaged shingle with a new one. You’ll also need to apply a fresh coat of shingle cement under the edges of each tab.
It’s a good idea to have extra shingles on hand when you’re replacing damaged ones. This way, you can match the color and texture of the shingles as closely as possible. You’ll also want to purchase a new roll of roofing cement when you’re buying replacement shingles, as well as a small container of clear caulk.
Broken Flashing
Flashing is a thin strip of metal that creates a waterproof barrier in vulnerable areas on your roof. These include transition points like chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and dormers. It can also prevent water intrusion around the valleys where two different roof pitches meet.
When flashing becomes damaged, water can seep into the attic and other parts of the house, causing extensive damage over time. It can also create rot in the attic and surrounding areas of the home.
Roof flashing is often exposed to harsh weather conditions, which can cause it to corrode and break down over time. The tar that seals it can become brittle and crack, which leaves the flashing vulnerable to water infiltration.
If you suspect that your roof flashing is the source of a leak, it is best to call a professional roofing contractor. The expert can perform a thorough inspection and replace the damaged flashing for long-term protection from leaks.
A common sign of flashing problems is shingles that are lifting or moving in the area where the flashing is located. This is a clear indication that the flashing is not sealing the gap and that it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Another common reason for roof flashing failure is shoddy installation. This can occur when the flashing isn’t properly overlapped and sealed, or it is nailed down unevenly. Additionally, poor construction can cause flashing to pull away from the roof over time.
Keeping your roof and gutters free of debris can help prolong the lifespan of flashing, as can prompt cleaning and the application of a rust-inhibiting primer. It is a good idea to schedule regular roof inspections and maintenance, as these can help identify and repair small problems before they turn into major issues.
If you find a leak in your roof, it’s important to act quickly. Waiting even a few days can lead to significant interior and structural damage, so call Lyons Roofing today to schedule an inspection and roof repair. We proudly serve customers in Louisville, Elizabethtown, and throughout central Kentucky.
Broken Pipe Boots
There are dozens of elements that go into making your roof structurally sound and effective in protecting the interior and exterior of your home. One of the most important but often overlooked components is a pipe boot. These rubber or metal collars encase vent pipes that stick out from the roof and protect them from water intrusion.
When a pipe boot fails, it creates an easy avenue for moisture into the attic space and can lead to a host of other problems. Immediate damage can include sagging shingles, wood rot, and mold-related health issues. Long-term damage can result in weakened roof decking, increased maintenance costs, and a decreased property value.
While it is possible to repair a broken vent pipe boot on your own, it is recommended that you contact an experienced roofing contractor to perform this task. Getting on the roof and climbing around the pipe can be dangerous, especially without the proper equipment like safety harnesses and ropes. Also, the process involves removing the shingles, which can cause damage to the underneath surface if done incorrectly.
The first step is to remove the shingle that covers the top of the pipe boot. This should be done carefully so that it does not damage the new boot. Next, apply strips of flashing tape to the area around the vent pipe. Make sure to overlap the first piece of tape with the second so that there is no gap.
After applying the flashing tape, slide the new boot over the vent pipe. Slide it down until the edge of the boot is flush with the base of the pipe. It is important to ensure that there is no gap between the shingle and the base of the boot. If there is, this can allow water to seep under the shingle and cause leaks.
Finally, nail down the new pipe boot with two nails and a small bead of roof caulking. Be careful not to use too much caulking, as it can cause the shingles to blister. If you’re not comfortable or confident in repairing your own roof, call an experienced roofing company to have your pipe boots and other vents inspected. They can provide you with a free estimate and recommend the best repairs for your specific roof.
Metal Collars
Residential roofs have many pipes sticking out of them, used to vent gas or air from attics. Unfortunately, this is also where most roof leaks happen. Leaks around pipe penetrations are often caused by deteriorated rubber boots or metal collars. In addition, the area surrounding the pipe can be vulnerable to leaks due to improper shingling or installation techniques. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest and least expensive types of roof leaks to repair.
The most common pipe collar leaks are found on metal flue pipes, usually made of galvanized steel or aluminum. The collar is a circular piece of metal that wraps around the base of the pipe to create a waterproof counter flashing. In many cases the collar is damaged or eroded, allowing water to leak down the pipe and into the attic. The solution is to replace the collar with a new one.
There are several different kinds of pipe collars, but one of the most effective is a hard plastic boot with an elastomer seal that fits tightly over the pipe. This is a product developed by a roofing contractor who was frustrated with the poor results of mastic and tape, so he created this long-lasting solution. It is available in 5 sizes, to fit most common vent pipes 14” – 3”.
A second option is a metal gutter cap that goes over the pipe. This is a very effective roof leak prevention tool, but it too can be damaged or displaced by severe weather. A third option is a metal storm collar that wraps around the pipe. This can be vulnerable to damage or displacement, but it is generally a more durable material than the pipe collars.
If the existing collar is still in good shape, then a simple repair is to install some high-quality roof tape with a polyester scrim on its underside, and apply it to the area of the leak. This is an easy and inexpensive repair that can be completed by a professional roofing company. However, if the pipe collar is corroded or physically damaged, replacing it with a new one may be necessary.