Home Roof Leaks 101

Are you prepared to handle roof leaks that may occur around your home? Do you know what to look for in order to find the source of potential leaks? Roof leaks can happen for a variety of reasons. If you are experiencing any kind of roof leak, there is no doubt that you will want the problem resolved as soon as possible. Luckily, with a little knowledge and information, you can find the source of any roof leaks and get the help you need fast.

Quick Facts about Roof Leaks

  • Shingles are not the only area on your roof where leaks can occur. In fact, there are multiple locations on and around your roof where moisture can potentially creep in.
  • Letting a small leak in your roof go unrepaired may cause more damages later. Sometimes, even the smallest roof leak can eventually lead to a full roof replacement. It is always best to take care of any roof repairs or leaks as soon as you notice them.
  • The moisture build-up that can ensue from a leaking roof can cause more damage to one’s home than a fire or termites. Taking roof leaks seriously is important if you want to spare your home and your budget!

Common Roof Leak Locations

Damaged or Broken Shingles: If you are experiencing any kind of roof leak, the shingles are the first component of your roof you will want to check. Any kind of damage to your shingles that you can see may point to the source of the leak.

Walls and Dormers: A dormer is a roof window that provides more usable space in one’s home loft or attic areas. Dormers, the windows they encase, and even the walls surrounding them can all be potential sources of leaks.

Furnace Vents: Most roof furnace vents will contain either a two-pipe or single pipe system. The seams around these furnace vents can loosen or crack, causing water to leak into one’s home. If you are experiencing a leak around the furnace vents on the roof, know that duct-taping or caulking the area will likely not be enough to stop the leak completely.

Flashing: Headwall flashing is the area of your roof where the vertical walls of your home meet the roof itself. This area can be a source of leaks, especially if the headwall flashing was improperly or poorly installed.

Chimneys: Worn or broken bricks, as well as old caulking around your chimney, are potential causes of roof leaks.

Plumbing Vent Boots: You may have plumbing vents on your roof made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both materials. If the rubber seals on these vents become loose, water can leak inside of your home.

Finding the Roof Leak Source

• With a Friend’s Help

If you are unsure where the leak is coming from, you can enlist a friend to help you. While you have your friend go in your attic with a flashlight, go onto your roof with a hose. Spray the hose over your roof and have your friend look for the source of the leak while in the attic.

• Hire a Professional Roofer

It is always a good idea to hire an expert, no matter how big or how small your roof leak may be. Especially if you are unsure as to how to address the problem or where the original leak began, be sure to hire a local roofing expert in your area to help!

Hire a Local Expert in the Portland-Metro Area!

Are you in the Portland-Metro area? Do you need an affordable and trusted roofing service? Trust the professional roofers at Evergreen Renovations & Roofing, Inc.!

Call Evergreen Renovations & Roofing, Inc. Now!

For residents all over the Portland-Metro area, including Vancouver, Lake Oswego, Gresham, Hillsboro, Aloha, Tualatin, and elsewhere, we are the number one roofing service to rely on! Contact our experienced and skilled roofers in Portland now.

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