Common Roof Leaks

Winter is around the corner.  Address any roof repairs or issues before snow and ice worsen the problem.  Here we will examine the most common sources of roof leaks.

BOOTS ON THE ROOF

The majority of roofs have plumbing stacks.  These stacks, usually a three or four inch pipe, have a boot installed to keep it from leaking.  There are two types of boots typically found on roofs.  A neoprene boot, simply a black piece of rubber, will have an exposed PVC or metal pipe.  These boots are cheap.  After years of sunlight and weathering, the neoprene boots will split around the pipe and result in a leak in a kitchen or bathroom.  The second type is a lead boot, preferred by Christian Brothers Roofing.  These boots will cover the entire pipe, with the excess being folded inside the pipe.  Lead boots will last the life of the roof, unless you have a squirrel problem.   Over the years, we have seen several boots eaten away presumably by squirrels.  Replacing or repairing boots is an easy repair, easier than the potential interior repairs caused by a damaged boot.

NAIL POPS THROUGH SHINGLES

Nail pops are more common on older roofs.  If you currently have a shingle that is tightly sealed, a nail that has decided to back its way out of the wood will break through the shingle.  This results in a small hole on the roof.  If the sealant is already loose, whether from age, defects or wind, the nail will raise the shingle up before popping out and rolling down the roof.  Nail pops are caused by a few things, heat, expansion and contraction, driven into the decking inconsistently or improperly, or not tight enough.  One or two nail pops are simple repairs.  However, if the roof is littered with nail pops, it is probably time to replace the roof.  Make sure there is adequate venting when replacing the roof.