Slate and Tile Roof Repair - Do You Need an Expert Roofer to Find Leaks?

 

 

A leaking roof can be a homeowner's nightmare and the actual cause may come from any number of reasons. What you may see as the most obvious problem may not be, and fixing just that may not solve it. Leaks around chimneys can be especially challenging to diagnose properly as the exact reason for it is not always readily visible. There may be a visible primary problem, but there could also be underlying secondary issues. It takes a real experienced roofing expert to spot the exact causes of a leak and then fix it properly.

These are just some of the main reasons for a leaking roof:

Flashing problems - Flashing refers to a thin piece of metal that is installed in joints and seams to prevent water from getting in. Flashing can be made from several different types of metal, copper is a very common one in older homes and churches. In the case of flashing around a chimney this can deteriorate and cause leaks. In such an instance the old metal would have to be removed and replaced with new hand-soldered flashings.
Gutters - If a section of gutter near a chimney is not draining properly, the water may find its way inside and can appear to be a chimney leak. Cleaning out the gutters and downspouts regularly, re-lining box gutters or adjusting hanging gutters may be required to fix the problem. There are many different types of gutters made from a variety of materials. In some older homes you can even have the situation of having 2 or 3 different types on the same house!
Flaws in the roofing materials - For a slate or tile roof, a missing or broken slate or tile can easily lead to a leak. For a tile roof, old, worn-out underlayment can be causing the issue. For an asphalt roof, the roof material itself may be beyond its service life. Storm damage is another common cause of leaks in any roof.

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