When it comes to leaks low pitch roofs are the most vulnerable.
Roof leaking at edge on the pitch.
Cut edges cut edges on a steel roof will experience edge creep which is minimal rusting occurring at the cut edge.
Below we illustrate that using a single piece of metal flashing where the uppermost edge of a shed roof abuts a vertical building sidewall works fine though the use of exposed nails see our photo below may form leak or wear points in the roof.
Dormer leaks can be caused from a number of issues.
Roof drip edge flashing at roof eaves gable ends.
Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak.
Click to enlarge any image.
More questonable or ugly roof wall flashing examples.
It bends around the edge of the roof channeling any moisture that penetrates the shingles away from the roof decking.
Worn out flashing or missing sealant can also cause roof leaks around dormers.
I often form an extended edge of the roof leg of the flashing similar to the projection found on most drip edges.
Only a few types of roofing profiles are made to be installed at such low degrees including mono clad trim deck and concealed fix klip lock speed deck and top deck.
Rotten or missing trim or siding can allow water to leak behind flashing and into your roof.
Roof drip edge flashing serves multiple functions on a building the foremost of which is to assist water in leaving the roof edge with minimum damage to other building components by directing the water off of the roof and into the gutter.
I hem the 6 inch edge and the 1 2 inch drip bend to stiffen the flashing and minimize oil canning when it expands.
An alternative would be roof edge heating cables.
Metal drip edge flashing is an important element of any roofing edge.
I adjust the angle between the roof and drop legs to match the slope of the roof.
Some roof leaks are tough to locate.
Roof leaks can ruin insulation become a breeding ground for black mold.
A roof leak at the edge of a dormer can allow a lot of water to enter your home.
Extra protection another extra layer of protection that some companies install and we at the lyons roofing company recommend is for any low slope system from 2 12 to a 4 12 pitch we install owens corning ice and water shield on the entire section.
If your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier between the drywall and the attic insulation push the insulation aside and look for flow stains on the plastic often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier such as at ceiling light fixtures.
Depending on the pitch of the roof this can be a diy job or require an hour or two of a contractor s time.
Roofs between 1 and 4 9 degrees are considered to be low pitch.
