Roof valley leaks can occur no matter where in the world you live and have the potential to cause problems. In Brisbane, roof problems are one of the most common housing issues for homeowners and often they’re forced to replace their entire roof. The good news is that roof valleys leaks can be prevented with roof maintenance.
Roof leaks start off as minor issues but over time leakage can become a serious problem. In this post, we’re going to talk about the most common cause – leaking roof valleys.
What are roof valleys and what cause roof valley leaks?
For those of you who may not know, roof valleys are the troughs formed where two roof slopes meet. Their purpose is to collect any water and direct it away from the roof and into a gutter.
Why do roof valleys leak?
The lifespan of a roof valley is pretty impressive. In fact, roof valleys can last for up to 20 years, but unfortunately certain external factors can cut that short. You may not believe it, but the leading contributor to a leaking roof is leaves. Wet leaves have a habit of sticking to the roof valleys causing corrosion and the formation of rust bubbles. These quickly escalate into holes on the valley which, in turn, can destroy neighbouring parts of the roof.
Leaves can also collect in the roof valleys which in the winter can lead to ice formation. Water expands when it’s freezing and this, in turn, causes the shingles to move, which also causes a roof to leak.
Sometimes, roofers overlap the shingles when forming the valleys and this can often cause water to find its way between them.
Roof Maintenance
If you’re a handyman and don’t mind a spot of manual work, you can do much of the roof maintenance yourself and save some money.
Roof leakages can be avoided by taking care of your roof. The first thing to do is to carry out an inspection using a tall ladder and a good set of binoculars. If you spot signs that may cause roof valley leaks, then a quick reaction can save you time and money.
The best form of prevention is to keep your roof clean at all times. Cleaning your gutters out is recommended twice a year and also lopping off any tree branches that are overhanging your roof will help.
Repairing roof valleys
If you’re going to attempt to repair roof valleys and stop leaks yourself, its best to have someone to help. Start by clearing any debris away from the valley. Roof valleys can be repaired by patching any holes or inserting a sheet of metal along the length of the valley depending on the severity of damage.
Roof valleys are an important part of your roof and not to be taken lightly. You should know that lack of maintenance or poor construction will always lead to roof valley leaks and the deterioration of more expensive parts that will ultimately cost more money to repair. For that reason, check your roof valleys regularly to ensure they are in good health.
It’s advisable to contact a professional roofing company if you are inexperienced since failing to fix roof valley leaks properly can cost you more money in the long run.
When was the last time your roof valleys were cleaned and sealed?
To avoid roof valley leaks and leaking roofs, it’s important that valleys are regularly inspected, cleaned, and maintained. The Roofman provides a FREE roof inspection so why not give him a call today on 0410 452 234.