What To Do If Your Roof Valley Flashing Goes Missing
by William Gerard
Does your roof have more than one peak? The area where two roof surfaces come together at an angle is known as a valley. Water tends to pool in valleys, which means that they are a common spot for leaks to develop. Luckily, most roofers put metal flashing in the valley for some extra leak protection. But what should you do if you notice the flashing is missing from your roof valley? In most cases, you'll want to follow these steps.
Call a roof repair contractor.
This is not a repair that should wait too long. The next time it rains, lots of water will trickle into the roof valley and potentially cause damage to the shingles, underlayment, and roof deck. In other words, you could easily get a leak if you do not already have one. So, you want to call a roofer and schedule repairs right away.
A roofer will usually bring new flashing to install. Even if you can find the old flashing in your yard, there is a good chance it is bent and damaged after being torn off the roof. Flashing is not expensive, so it's worth it to pay a few dollars for a new piece.
Check for leaks.
Venture up into your attic and look for signs of leaks. If the flashing has been missing for a while, you can expect to find evidence of water intrusion. This may look like some dark and deteriorating insulation, or it might look like rotten spots on some of the attic trusses. High humidity and musty odors can be signs of a leak, too.
If you do think your roof is already leaking, mention this to your roofer. It may mean they need to make some repairs to the roof deck before putting new flashing in place. (The roof deck is the wood that lays under your shingles. It can deteriorate if it gets wet.)
Consider tarping the roof.
If there is a rainstorm coming before your roofer is able to come repair your roof, consider putting a tarp over the valley that's missing its flashing. Only do this if you feel safe on a ladder and have someone who can hold the base. Place the tarp over the valley, and set some bricks on top to hold it down. This is a very short-term fix, but it can help reduce leaks.
For more information about residential roofing, contact a local professional.
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About Me
Do you know how to tell if you have problems with your flashing, loose shingles, or damaged tar pitch? Well, I didn't either until I experienced some of those issues on my own. One day, I realized that my roof was leaking and that I needed to find a solution fast. After contacting a professional roofing company, they were able to solve my troubles and teach me the signs of trouble. I want you to avoid the same types of hassles, which is why my blog is filled to the brim with information about roofing and home ownership. You never know, these tips could really come in handy!