When replacing your roof there are several problem spots you should know about. A few are unforeseen, but most are common from one roof to another.
The areas most prone to leaks are the penetrations where your plumbing vents, exhausts, chimney and skylights are installed. Valleys and flashings are also common problem spots. These areas get ignored because doing them right takes time and money. Some companies underbid the replacement and then have to make up their profit by cutting corners.
I have seen so many roofs where corners were cut, and where another $400 would have meant the difference between a good installation and a bad one. If you need a new roof, please do not assume every roofing company is the same, or that the job is simply taking off shingles and putting new ones on. Look for these five items to be discussed when you first meet the contractors you are considering.
1. Roof brand
When buying a new air conditioner you can choose a dependable brand or a less expensive off-brand. Shingles are the same. Some companies get volume discounts by dealing with specific manufacturers. Do not let the roofer steer you to an off-brand. Stick with established manufacturers like CertainTeed and GAF.
2. Plumbing vents
Why install a 25-year or 30-year shingle and then install a 5-year auto-caulk? Lead boot jacks cost a little more, but they do not become brittle and crack after five or seven years. This is the shortcut I see most often.
3. Valleys
I am always surprised when I tear off a roof and find nothing protecting the valleys. Sometimes it is just felt. Some companies go a step further and install sheet metal, but as the house shifts there is tension around the nail penetrations and it is still likely to leak with ice dams. Installing an ice and water shield in the valleys and around the penetrations avoids this. Ice and water costs a little more than sheet metal, but it performs better under these circumstances.
4. Chimney
Your insurance company will not always include re-flashing your chimney, but even when they do not it should be discussed and included where applicable. Have your roofer inspect the chimney cap as well. If you have a brick chimney, have it inspected thoroughly — in some cases the mortar between the brick is cracking and letting water in.
5. Skylights
Much like chimneys, the flashing is often the problem. Installing ice and water under the flashing is recommended, and make sure there are no cracks in the dome.
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