Homeowners sometimes think that roof leaks are a common cause for concern. Not every roof leak is a problem unless it is determined what kind of leak it is. We can all agree that roof leaks are never convenient for anyone.
Most clients and customers would get confused about why their roofs are leaking right after they experienced a mild updraft and drizzle. This is what we call a wind driven roof leak, its best practice to bring in a roofing professional to inspect the shingle roofing system.
Wind Driven Rain
Let’s look at why this phenomenon can still pose a threat to a house’s foundations and framework. As the name suggests, wind-driven rain is rain that has been redirected and blows horizontally against a roofing system.
Roof shingles and the roof itself has been specifically designed to redirect the flow of rainwater and snow vertically. This means that shingles are designed to move water from one layer to another while keeping the inner layer dry. If rain is blowing at a horizontal angle, rainwater can find itself stuck in between the would-be dry parts of the shingles. This can cause unwanted soaking and rotting on a homes framework and roofing system.
Where Some Roof Leaks Can Occur…
With the mass of shingles, slates, and shakes on a rooftop, cracks and leaks might be harder to find. Especially if the roofing system is already several decades old.
If shingles are not properly trimmed, water may be able to travel downwards along the top of the shingle which can soak the framework and the main structure.
These flashings are important in redirecting water down vertically from the upper roof towards a lower roof. Homeowners need to keep a look out for rusting and holes on the metal flashing.
If overhangs are not present, then some roofs will simply stop at a vertical wall. To counteract this, there should be metal flashings that will redirect the flow of water.
Chimneys have always been and will always be one of the primary sources for leaks. If the flashings are not properly placed, large amounts of water can start pouring in. It is best practice to never use caulk to repair these materials.
Homeowners have to be mindful that the rubber sealants for these types of flashings can give out in about a decade. The bottom part of the flashing needs to be exposed so that it would be able to cover the shingles area.
This flashing is quite similar to plumbing vent flashing, but furnace flashing is more durable since they contain a metal storm collar.
If you live in a temperate region that snows a lot, you’ll find that ice dams are a priority when maintaining your roofing. Even if your roof is in perfect working condition, leaks might still happen. If water does find its way inside your roof, then you will find yourself experience non-stop dripping for the next few days.
There will be times that we hastily make conclusions that it’s the roof that’s leaking. In reality, it might not be your roof but it could be a broken water pipe or even faulty head flashings. In this situation, there’s no harm to looking around for leaks!
All-in-all, wind-driven rain can cause problems on your roofing, but it is always recommended to have a licensed roofing contractor like Central Roofing do a proper inspection!
Related Searches:
Knowing How To Tell How Many Layers of Shingles Is Needed
Is Ice and Water Shield Necessary for Your Home?
Why Metal Roof Leaking At Ridge Should Be Handled
Matt Kowalis
Marketing Manager for Central Roofing LLC
Leave a Comment
About Central Roofing
Central Roofing is a top quality roofing company in Sullivan, IL that likewise operates in Mattoon and Champaign, and the rest of Illinois. We offer a wide array of roofing services to property owners like you. We have been the leading go-to roofing company of homeowners, business owners, and property managers for almost a decade now here in Illinois.
