Enemy #1 During Rainy Season – Roof Leaks

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The number one enemy of your structure during the rainy season is roof leaks. If not repaired on time it can cause extensive damage, rot and other moisture issues. You have to think about your roof as one of the most important parts of your structure, as it is the outer layer that is the most exposed to the elements and the one that shelters us from them. For this reason, it is very important that regular inspections are made in order to avoid any structural problems from occurring and any wood destroying organisms from thriving.

We are very lucky that here in our beautiful San Diego, California we are not necessarily in a very wet climate. The rain season usually occurs from December to February or so, the only problem is that many times when they come, they come hard. The moisture that gets stored in your property lumber as a result of this rains adds up each time that it occurs, and as previously mentioned this will open the door for problems to occur in the future. There are many ways that a roof problem can go, anywhere from a small patch, to a complete re-roofing and it can even include replacement of framing and sheathing members if the roof leak occurred for a long enough period of time. For any problems with your roofing membrane, the best person to get in contact with is with a licensed roofing contractor. However, if there are wood destroying organisms’ problems in the wood members like dry or wet rot it is as well advised that a WDO Control company like us here at GC Termite Control, this way we can control the rot and stop it from spreading once the wood members get replaces and the roof repaired.

Some of the most common areas that create problems are:

1. Flat Roofs
   1. This is one of the most troublesome types of roof that can be built. Being that there is no slope on this roof, a completely sealed roof is required in order for the moisture to be excluded from the property. Many times, owners try to patch or seal problem areas, but unfortunately, unless it is done by a professional it will not work. It is very complicated to get a proper patch, due to that reason many times a roofer will recommend a complete re-roof in order to properly seal and be able to guarantee the work.
2. Roof Valleys
   1. This is another problem area that causes excessive moisture issues in residences. Normally a valley flashing is installed to avoid problems of this nature, but when not properly installed or when tampered with (either by walking or working on it) then small gaps can be created. Being that the water from two separate roof planes is directed to this valley, if any small gaps or problems do exist then a leak will be created. This is normally not a very big problem and should be able to be repaired easily by a licensed roofer. However, as the framing for these areas is commonly hidden in the attic spaced of the residence, it could take multiple rain seasons for any damage to be visible. During this time, it is common that wood members get infected and damaged by rot, if this occurs make sure to contact a proper WDO Control company like us to assist you in resolving those problems before it spreads into other areas where excessive moisture could still be occurring.
3. Chimneys
   1. This is a very common area that can get water intrusion as it extends above the roofline and has wood members that are perpendicular to it and in the direct path of the rainwater flow. To avoid this proper flashing around the chimney sheathing needs to be installed and many times a roof boot has to be added to divert the water from hitting the chimney directly. These are easy solutions that can be implemented by a licensed roofing contractor or as a preventive measure for section 2 items by a WDO Control company.
4. Bay Windows
   1. Bay windows are those that project outward from the structure and that form a bay in the room. As this stick out from the cover of the property roof, it is exposed to the rain and other elements like the roof would be. If the roof is deteriorated or if the flashing or seal between the roofing and the wall is not properly done this can cause moisture to get into the framing. This problem is normally easy to fix as only sealing off a small area is required.
5. Field of Shingles on Deteriorated Old Roofs
   1. If your roof is old and the shingles are deteriorating, they will cause a problem sooner or later. Even though there are many shingle manufacturers that guarantee their products for 20 or 30 years, with climate conditions changing yearly and roofs exposed to more extreme conditions then product life span changes. It is recommended that you have your roof inspected at least once every 5 to 10 years to look for any deterioration problems in your shingles. By doing so you can avoid any big problems from occurring. Once major deterioration is noted, a full re-roofing job is most commonly required in order to resolve the problem. It is highly recommended that the old shingle roof is removed before installing a new layer of the roofing membrane. It is a little bit more labor-intensive and costs extra but will provide you with better protection over time and avoid any hidden leaks that could occur over time.

Another problem that it may give you is if you are going through a financing process. Normally a roof leak will be a section 2 items, which if you are trying to get a VA or FHA loan might stop your process. For more information be sure to ask your loan officer to see what are the specific requirements of your loan are.

If you have an excessive moisture problem in your residence and you suspect that it might be causing problems to your structure, please do give us a call to (619) 421 – 2101 or send us a Message Online so that one of our experts can assist you. Do not wait much more if you have seen any excessive moisture times, remember that the more time that you give it the more damage and problems that it will create on your San Diego property.