While the roof is a generally sturdy and resilient structure, some of its parts are more prone to weathering and environmental damage. Leaks have a habit of developing in these areas, which aggravates the problem and can eventually result in a more serious structural concern.
Hinkle Roofing, your roof and replacement windows experts, shares three of the most leak-prone areas on your roof.
Roof Valleys
The roof valleys are points where two sections of the roof intersect. While these are usually covered by flashings, the thin metal strips that prevent water intrusion, they can get worn down by water damage, too.
Roof valleys are prone to developing leaks after a storm or as the roof gets older, so it’s important to check if the flashings are still holding up. The good news is it’s fairly easy to do so, as you just need to repair or replace them as soon as possible to prevent leaks.
Roof Edge
The edge is another part of the roof that’s susceptible to water damage, and it’s often due to problems with the gutters. When the gutters get clogged or blocked, the water can spill right on the edge of the roof, often ending up in the fascia or soffit.
In some cases, the extra weight in the gutters can actually detach the gutter from the roof, damaging it and loosening shingles in the process. Thankfully, this is something you can prevent by regularly cleaning the gutters.
Roof Field
While uncommon, leak damage can also manifest on the surface where the shingles are actually laid upon. When the shingles crack or get worn down, the nails underneath it will be exposed. In addition to loosening the shingles, water can easily find its way through these cracks and gaps. In time, the water damage will extend to the underlayment and even to the wooden parts of the roof.
At Hinkle Roofing, we specialize in addressing leaks. Whether it’s your roof valley that’s leaky or the roof field, we’ll perform an in-depth inspection of your roof to address the source. We also offer vinyl siding services. Call us today at (205) 352-1940 to learn more. We install roofs, siding and replacement windows in Tuscaloosa, AL, and other parts of Alabama.
