As a homeowner, you’d like your roof to maintain its integrity over the years but common wear and tear and following roof leaks are inevitable. Roof leak repairs are simply part of the roof’s life.
While there are many reasons for a roof’s deterioration, some roof areas are more prone to leaking than others. Skylights, chimneys, and vent pipes all provide an opportunity for moisture to get through, especially in older roofs or when they have not been installed properly.
Residential Roofing: 3 Most Common Roof Leak Repairs
1. Roof Leak Repairs: Leaky Skylight
A leaky skylight can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. More often than not, an improper installation is the cause of a leak. If that’s the case, your local roofing contractor must handle the repairs to avoid further damage.
Some common situations that cause skylights to leak are improperly installed fasteners, poor flashing seals, glass micro-fractures or fissures, and sealant failure due to thermal expansion. If the skylight leak is at the roof flashing, it may be possible to make temporary repairs using roof flashing cement around the perimeter of the unit. However, proper repairs will require removing shingles near the skylight, installing appropriate flashing, and reinstalling new shingles in the area. Most skylights have integral flashing or a special flashing kit that is specifically designed for the skylight and roofing material.
A thorough roofing inspection will help your roofer uncover any problems with your skylights and suggest appropriate repairs so that should be your first step.
2. Roof Leak Repairs: Chimney Flashing
Damage to the chimney structure is quite common as well, as chimneys can develop cracks and crevices that allow water to permeate them. Instead of keeping rain and snow out of the roof seams, sub-par flashing allows moisture into the roof’s inner structure. Water seepage can cause mildew, mold, and premature aging of the roof.
To fix this problem, start with a thorough inspection of your chimney base and walls looking for gaps, cracks, and obvious wear and tear. Chimney flashing needs to be replaced when it becomes rusty, corroded, chipped, or broken. Masonry caulk can seal small gaps or holes on a short-term basis but is not designed to take the place of the flashing. Depending on what you find, roofing cement, caulking, and more often than not flashing will need to be replaced.
Since improperly installed flashing leaves your home unprotected from rain and snow it is always best to have a professional roofer address more extensive flashing problems.
3. Roof Leak Repairs: Vent Pipe Repairs
Aside from skylights and chimneys, roof vents are one of the most common causes of roof leaks. Rusty and cracked vent pipe collars around their base allow the water to first pool around, then seep through the interior walls of your home. Again deteriorated flashing & old roof cements & sealants might be the reason behind vent pipe leaks.
Occasionally, vent pipe leaks can also occur at the collar surrounding the base of the vent pipe where it breaks through the surface of the roofing material. When this occurs, rainwater can seep in between the rubber boot and the vent pipe and accumulate in your home, causing damage. If the rubber boot collar is cracked or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Need a Pro to Handle Your Roof Leak Repairs?
If your roof is leaking contact a professional roofer for an inspection and repairs.
Contact All Roofing Solutions, your Delaware roofing repair contractor with over 15 years of experience examining and repairing all types of roof problems. We’re here to help with all your roofing needs and are available to assist you with roof leak repairs, new installations, and roofing inspections.
To schedule your free consultation, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. Contact us today and receive a discount of 15% off any roofing repair job.
Why Choose All Roofing Solutions
Family-owned and operated contractor- Fully licensed and insured for your protection
- Over 25 years of experience with roofing & siding installation and repair
- A+ rated BBB member
- Complimentary Extended Material warranty
- 30-year workmanship guarantee on full roof replacements
- Lien Waiver to protect the homeowners from material liens
- Own crew—no subcontractors!
- Full-service roofer handling all types of residential and commercial roofing, windows & siding projects.
- Most re-roofing projects are completed in one day.
- Because we are efficient we are able to offer very competitive prices compared to large contractors with bigger overhead.
- Each roofing/siding project includes a meticulously performed, post-roofing inspection. We want to make sure that your roof replacement is done correctly and that it meets your complete satisfaction.
- The company owner supervises all projects to ensure high-quality workmanship.
- Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!