Small Roof Leaks On Flashings

Some roof leaks happen at step flashings.

Small roof leaks on flashings.

If an inexperienced contractor didn t install the materials well leaks could occur. Plug pinholes with roofing cement and patch holes up to about 3 4 inch in diameter with a patch from the same material as the flashing. Generally these flashings would not be a culprit in the case of a roof leak because they normally are outside the leak area at the outermost edges of the roof. Speaking of chimneys compromised flashing is a common problem on a roof.

Walls and decks have flashings too. Part of the flashing turns up on the wall and the other portion gets covered by the next row of shingles. You find these flashings where a roof climbs alongside a vertical wall. Roof flashing roof vents or roof membranes can leak from poor installation.

First roughen the area around the hole with a wire brush or sandpaper and then clean it. For a chimney they are bent at a 90 degree angle to attach to both the roofing material and the brick chimney. A common cause for leakage is poor workmanship on your roof. Flashing needs to be properly sealed to protect against water intrusion.

Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk. As each row of shingles is laid a step flashing is installed over the shingle next to the wall. Replace any missing or rotted siding above the step flashing on dormers.