Where roofs really leak
The open field of a roof rarely fails first. Most leaks start where the roof stops, turns a corner or goes around something. These spots are called details, and they take the most wear on every roof type.
Pipe boots and roof vents
Plumbing vents, exhaust fans and attic vents all cut through the roof. On shingle roofs, the rubber pipe boot cracks in the sun and is the most common leak we fix. We replace worn boots and reseal vents so water runs past them, not into them.
Chimneys and walls
Where a roof meets a wall or chimney, step flashing and counter flashing keep water out. Loose, rusted or caulk-only flashing lets water run behind it. We replace or rebuild the flashing instead of just smearing on more sealant.
Skylights
Most skylight leaks come from the flashing around the frame. We reflash the skylight and check the seal so it stays dry.
Valleys
Valleys carry the most water on a sloped roof. On tile roofs, metal valleys can rust or fill with debris and push water under the tile. We clear, repair or replace them.
Roof drains, scuppers and AC curbs
On flat roofs, all the water heads for the drains and scuppers. When they clog or their seals crack, water piles up and gets in. AC units sit on curbs with flashing on all four sides that heat and service visits can loosen. We repair all of these details.
Not sure which detail is leaking? Start with roof leak detection.