Why Is Your Roof Leaking?
Diagnosing a roof leak
Generally speaking roof leaks occur where something protrudes up through the roof. Some of the most common areas to look are: Roof Vents, Chimneys, and Skylights.
One of the easiest ways to spot a leak if you have access to your attic is to go up there in the rain and inspect these common areas.
Vent Pipe Leaks
Vent pipes are very common and need to be replace every 10-15 years. These vent pipes are outfitted with a vent pipe flange or witch-hat, and are made of rubber. As rubber loses it’s elasticity the seal to the pipe becomes lose and water gets past the seal. These leaks are very common around bathroom ceilings as this is where the plumbing is vented up and through the roof.
Chimney Leak – Massachusetts
Nowadays chimneys are first wrapped with ice and water shield. Then as the shingles are installed around the chimney, step flashing is used on each row. Finally lead couter flashing is cemented into the motor of the brick completing the seal.
Chimneys lead and seal will normally last the life of the roof material, and will be replaced when the shingles get replaced.
Leak will occur when high wind and debris either lift the flashings or damage it.
Skylight Leak – Massachusetts
Skylights tend to last about 14-20 years. Leaks occur around the installation kits flashing and the seal around the glass.
