Have you noticed water damage on your ceiling or attic recently? Chances are you have a leaky roof flashing. As a homeowner, dealing with roof leaks is frustrating. But don't panic; many causes of roof flashing leaks are easy to identify and repair yourself. Roof flashings, the metal pieces that seal the edges and seams of your roof, are common culprits. Over time, flashings can warp, crack, or come loose, allowing water to seep in. If not addressed, water damage can occur. Learn to fix minor leaks and hire a professional for proper flashing repair.
What Is Roof Flashing and Why Is It Important?
Roof flashing is thin strips of metal that seal areas where the roof surface meets vertical surfaces like walls, chimneys, and plumbing vents. Flashing helps prevent water from seeping underneath shingles or other roofing materials. Without flashing, water can enter through cracks and cause leaks, leading to costly damage.
The types of flashing are:
- Base flashing: Installed along the roof's edge where it meets a vertical wall. It diverts water running down the wall away from the roof edge.
- Pipe or vent flashing: Installed around plumbing vents, exhaust vents, and other pipes that penetrate the roof. It seals around the base of the pipe to prevent water entry.
- Valley flashing: Installed in the internal angle where two sloped roof planes meet. It helps channel the water from the valley down to the gutters.
- Chimney flashing: Installed around the base of a chimney to seal the joint between the chimney and the roof.
Water will find its way in if your flashing has holes, cracks, or rust. The solution is to have a roofing contractor replace or repair the damaged flashing. They have the proper equipment, safety gear, and experience to fix flashing at heights and in hard-to-reach areas. Attempting a DIY fix is dangerous and often ineffective.
For a few hundred dollars, you can save yourself from thousands in water damage repairs by having your roof flashing inspected and repaired or replaced. Your roof and your wallet will thank you.
Common Causes of Roof Flashing Leaks
If you've got water dripping inside from your roof, chances are you've got a leak in the flashing. Roof flashing seals up vulnerable areas where the roof surface meets vertical surfaces like chimneys, vent pipes, and the roof's edges. Without flashing, water can seep in and cause damage.
One of the most common reasons for roof flashing leaks is cracked or damaged flashing material. Over time, flashing can dry out, corrode, or wear away, allowing water to penetrate the seals.
Another frequent culprit is poorly installed or improperly sized flashing. If the flashing isn't secured correctly or doesn't extend far enough up vertical surfaces and under shingles, leaks are inevitable.
Flashing leaks also happen when the sealant or roof cement used to seal and bond the flashing breaks down or pulls away. Ultraviolet light, weathering, and temperature changes cause sealants to deteriorate, separating from the flashing or roof surface.
In some cases, leaks form because the flashing wasn't installed in the first place! Sometimes, flashing is left out or installed incorrectly around pipes, skylights, or the edges of dormers. It's an easy mistake for an inexperienced roofer to make, but it leads to costly damage.
The only way to remedy flashing leaks and prevent water from entering your home is to have a professional roofer inspect, repair, or replace damaged or missing flashing. They can adequately seal and secure new flashing to eliminate leaks and ensure your roof's protection for years to come.
How to Detect a Roof Flashing Leak
Once you suspect you have a roof flashing leak, it's time to do some detective work to locate the source of the problem. Roof flashing leaks can often be tricky to find, but with some patience and the right tools, you can detect where water is penetrating.
Check the attic and ceilings: Head up to the attic with a bright flashlight and inspect the underside of the roof for any visible water stains, drips, or pooling. The area directly below the leak is often the first place water shows up. Look for swollen or warped wood, insulation stains, or joist watermarks. If you have a vaulted ceiling, inspect it from below for similar signs of water damage. The source of a leak could be 20 feet or more away from where the water is showing up inside, so trace stains and drips to determine the general area of the roof to focus your search.
Inspect the roof surface: Once you've identified the general area of the leak from inside, it's time to examine the roof. Look for any visible cracks or holes in the roof flashing, especially around chimneys, pipes, skylights, or other protrusions through the roof. Check that all flashing pieces are securely sealed with roof cement or sealant and that metal flashings overlap properly. Water could also be entering around loose, missing, or damaged shingles, especially along the roof's edges.
Perform a flood test: If the leak source remains elusive, you may need to do a flood test to pinpoint where the water penetrates. Carefully flood the roof area you suspect is leaking with a garden hose. At the same time, a helper remains inside the attic or ceiling to trace the source of any new water coming through. Move the hose around methodically until the leak appears. Mark the location to know exactly where to apply sealant or repair damaged materials.
Once you've detected the source of your roof flashing leak, you can make necessary repairs to seal it up and prevent further water damage. For extensive damage or if the leak location remains a mystery, it's best to call a professional roofer to inspect, diagnose, and repair the problem.
Temporary Fixes for a Roof Flashing Leak
If you have a leaky roof flashing, you'll want to fix it as soon as possible to avoid water damage. As a temporary solution until you can get a roofer out, here are a few things you can try:
Apply roof cement or sealant
You can apply roof cement, sealant, or roof caulk as a temporary patch for small cracks or holes in the flashing. Clean and dry the area thoroughly. Apply the cement or sealant, spread it over the leak, and smooth it out. Press down firmly so it seals the leak completely. These products are available at any hardware store.
Place a tarp or roof flashing tape
Cover the entire area with roof flashing tape, roof cement tape, or waterproof roof sealant tape for larger holes or damage. You can also place a tarp over the area and weigh it down with bricks, boards, or straps to stop leaks from heavy rains. Be very careful when walking on a wet, slippery roof.
Check and tighten the flashing edges
If your roof flashing edges or seams have come loose or pulled away from the roof, you can stop the leak temporarily by pressing the flashing back into place and sealing the edges with roof cement. You can also place roofing nails about 6 to 8 inches apart along the edge to hold it in place until repairs can be made. Hammer the nails in at an angle through the edge of the flashing into the roof.
Place drain pipe extenders
If water is pooling on your roof around the flashing, install temporary drain pipe extenders to direct the water away from the leak. You can purchase pre-made pipe extenders that attach to your existing drain pipes. Or make your own using PVC or metal pipes, attaching one end over the drain pipe outlet and angling the other to drain the water away from the flashing.
However, these are temporary fixes and will not provide a permanent solution. For persistent or severe leaks, contacting a licensed and insured roofing contractor is best to inspect, repair, or replace the roof flashing. They have the proper tools, materials, and experience to fix roof flashing leaks and seal your roof tightly.
Trust Directorii for Professional Roof Flashing Leak Repairs
Roof flashing leaks need professional attention, and finding a reliable roofer near you is easy with Directorii. We vet and background check our contractors, backing every job with a $20,000 guarantee. With their training and access to quality materials, roofing professionals can accurately identify and fix leaks, ensuring lasting repairs. While DIY may seem economical, it often leads to further costs due to incorrect fixes and unaddressed water damage. Extensive repairs and roof navigation are best left to professionals for safety and efficiency. So, save yourself the stress and potential additional expense. Trust in Directorii and our network of professional roofers for a job well done.
Taking Action on Roof Flashing Leaks
You now know the common reasons roof flashing leaks happen and how to spot them. Fixing these leaks yourself is relatively easy if you're moderately handy and take proper safety precautions. However, call in a pro for more significant leaks or if heights make you queasy. A reputable roofing contractor has the experience, equipment, and insurance to handle the job efficiently and safely. Once repaired, you can rest easy knowing your roof—and everything inside—will stay dry for years. Regular inspections and maintenance will also help prevent future leaks and keep your roof in tip-top shape.
