Finding Roof Leaks - Flat Roofing
The Most common problem we see when inspecting low sloped roofing is
the drains or scuppers. They are normally plugged and prevent water from
draining off the roof normally. This not only causes backup in the roof
drain area - It also causes water to back up everywhere else on the roof.
The Next common problem we see is the flashings and seams are not
sealed correctly or have holes in them. Check all roofing penetrations and
roofing seams for cracks, holes, loose roofing material, or even excess
tar where these areas have been patched previously.
Maintenance companies HVAC, sign companies, lighting maintenance
etc... These service repairmen also can cause problems not only by
dropping tools on rubber membrane but moving equipment around on roofing
materials. It is a good idea to keep track of who goes on your roof, when,
and what was done these precautions can make finding a leak very simple.
We have roofing maintenance programs we set up for larger commercial
buildings. We normally inspect and clean twice a year. This type of
program can save thousands of dollars a year by extending the life of the
roofing material. Stopping leaks before they cause thousands of dollars
worth of interior damage.
Finding Roof Leaks
- Shingle Roofing - Steep Sloped Roofing
Poor Workmanship is the most common
problem we see when inspecting shingle roofs. Pipe flashings, chimney
flashings, wall flashings, All Flashings should have positive lap. Water
should run off the flashing and onto the roofing. These detail areas are
the most important part of your roofing system a lot of homeowners think
anyone can put a shingle on. This is true in part but most leaks we find
are not the shingles themselves they are the detail areas. An
experienced roofer will know how to install shingles as well as flashings
correctly.
Condensation is also very common here
in Minnesota. There are not many roofers that can diagnose this problem
right off the bat. Some roofs we see have gallons of tar spread around
every penetration. the homeowner themselves are at a loss cannot figure
out why They have had so many roofers out and still cannot find the leak.
Condensation usually happens on the coldest days below freezing.
Keep an eye on the area that seems to be leaking. If the Roof leaks only
in the winter months and not necessarily every time it rains this is a
good sign. Also if possible check amount of insulation in the area and for
proper ventilation.
Ice Dams are another common problem
and are similar to that of condensation check the insulation and
ventilation. If you have snow on your roof and it is well below 32
degrees you should not have minimal snow melting off the roof. Look at
some of your neighbors houses do they have snow on them long after the
snow has melted on your roof?
