Photo: Tibor Szabo

Where do roofs leak the most?

The Four Most Common Places a Roof Will Leak Around the Chimney. The chimney is one of the main culprits of a roof leak. ... Around Windows and Skylights. ... Vent Pipes. ... Missing Shingles.

brothersservices.com - The Four Most Common Places a Roof Will Leak - Brothers Services

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You’ve probably heard it before. That slow, torturous sound of water trickling down from your ceiling. There’s something about a slow drip of water in the home that can drive owners insane. It’s like the constant ticking of a clock. It becomes a battle against time to find where the leak is coming from before the situation gets worse. Brothers Services is here to help! Over 10,000 Maryland families invite us into their homes each year, and we understand their frustrations. For over three decades, we’ve been finding and fixing leaks so people can go back to living peacefully, and in our experience, these are the four most common places to find a roof leak.

1. Around the Chimney

The chimney is one of the main culprits of a roof leak. Most of the time, it’s due to cracked or damaged flashing. These are thin strips of metal installed around the roof, which provide a seal in areas where the roof intersects. Chimney flashing is bent at a 90-degree angle with one side laid under the shingles and the other side nailed into the chimney. The top of the flashing is then sealed with caulk, which will fail over time. If the flashing isn’t properly sealed or nailed into place, water can intrude and enter your home. Even the flashing itself can wear down over time after prolonged exposure to bad weather, so it’s important to have your chimney inspected once a year.

2. Around Windows and Skylights

Skylights can be a beautiful addition to your home, whether you want to see the stars from your bedroom at night or brighten your living room with more natural light during the day. However, they can also cause headaches if they start leaking. There are two main causes for this type of leak: improper installation or worn weather-sealing along the skylight edges. With a poorly fitted skylight, leaks can sprout down the sides and the rubber seal around the glass, ruining the water barrier. Most skylight leaks occur due to flashing issues or poor installation, not the glazing that comes with the skylight.

3. Vent Pipes

Another common place where your roof can leak is around a vent pipe. Also known as a plumbing vent, this pipe protrudes from the rood to allow air to escape from the home. A vent pipe often has flashing around it and a rubber boot to seal the top of the vent. After enduring the weather over time, the flashing may become worn and cracked, leading to a roof leak. The rubber boot can fail in as little as seven years, so periodic maintenance can help stop roof leaks before they happen.

4. Missing Shingles

One of the obvious ways to spot where your roof is leaking is to look for missing shingles. They should be easy to see since they are the outermost layer of the roof that provides protection against inclement weather. Storms and strong winds can rip shingles from the roof and created exposed areas, leading to leaks. Hail or falling debris can penetrate your roof during storms, causing damage that may require repairs. Once the storm settles, you should be able to inspect your roof and see if any shingles are missing. Need more help with a leaky roof? Schedule a consultation with Brothers Services and one of our roofing professionals can come out and help you.