Most Common Roof Leaks 

Having water burst through your ceiling is that nightmare scenario that no homeowner wants to face. Unfortunately, that nightmare scenario is pretty common, so it’s important to have a good understanding of what kind of leak you are dealing with to ensure you can take the proper steps to fix the problem and prevent it from occurring in the future. Here are some of the most common roof leaks that occur in Maryland.

Most Common Roof Leaks

Pipe Boot Failure

The most common cause of roof leaks is from pipe boot failure. A boot is a type of roof flashing that covers the base of a pipe and is supposed to waterproof the pipe. Most of these failures are due to the materials the boot is made of. Pipe boots that are made of synthetic rubber, particularly neoprene, are most susceptible to being broken down by UV exposure. Overexposure to UV causes the neoprene to crack, allowing water to easily invade your home. To fix this problem, put a rubber collar over the top of the cracked boot.

Improper Nails

The second most common cause of leaks is from a nail coming loose from a shingle. If a nail is driven in sideways or if it’s overdriven, the nail could come loose and leave your roof exposed to water. One of the best indicators for if you may have a leak is if you have a nail that is sticking up. To fix this problem, you will need to break the seal on the shingle, remove the nail and reseal in a different spot.

Skylights

Contrary to popular belief, skylights are actually very safe from leaks under the right circumstances. However, if you have an installer that does not know what they are doing, then chances are that your skylight may leak at some point down the line. It’s very important to make sure that you have a roofer and installer that you trust will do a good job. To fix a skylight leak, the flashing kit will need to come off and an ice and water shield will need to be put around the skylight before putting the flashing kit back on. 

When To Call A Contractor

It’s important to reach out to a trained professional as soon as you notice a leak. Roof leaks can cause a significant amount of hidden damage, so making sure that you have your entire roof inspected is essential.

About Roof Right

Repairing a leak can be a difficult process, but it doesn’t have to be! Roof Right, located in Carroll County, Maryland, works directly with clients to ensure that every step of the process is as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Since 1994, we have been providing excellent service to Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County and Montgomery County. Schedule a virtual estimate today!