Common Problem Areas

Many homes throughout Windsor-Essex have vulnerable sections on their roofs that demand specialized attention and expertise. When these critical areas are overlooked or improperly installed, they quickly develop into costly problem zones that compromise your entire roofing system. Understanding these potential trouble spots helps you make more informed decisions when selecting both a roofing contractor and appropriate materials for your home’s protection.

The right contractor with proper expertise and commitment to quality craftsmanship will ensure these critical areas receive the specialized treatment they require. Our century of roofing experience has identified seven common problem areas that deserve particular attention:

  1. Ice Dams
  2. Dead Valleys
  3. Sidewalls
  4. Chimneys
  5. Roof Vents
  6. Antennas and Satellites
  7. Solar Panels

Windsor-Essex's Specialized Roofing Knowledge

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Problem Areas

Ice Dams

Ice dams form when heat from your home's interior warms the underside of the roof, causing accumulated snow and ice to melt. When this water reaches the cold roof edges above your soffit, it refreezes, creating an ice barrier. Once formed, any additional melting water is forced up and under your shingles. While building code requires protective underlayments on roofs with 8/12 slopes and below, no roof is truly immune from ice dams. Installing appropriate leak barriers (ice and water shield) at eaves and all critical roof areas provides essential protection against these damaging winter formations.

Dead Valleys

A dead valley is created by the junction of two slopes, or where a slope meets a wall, resulting in an area where water cannot easily run off. These problematic sections are typically very low-sloped or sometimes completely flat. Like any low-slope area, these zones require specific materials designed to handle slow water runoff without premature deterioration. Many roofers incorrectly install standard shingles over these areas without proper underlayment, leading to expensive damage. Using designated low-slope materials may cost more initially but provides the necessary long-term protection for your roof's overall integrity.

Sidewalls

The intersection where your roof meets vertical walls often becomes a problematic area that can be difficult to diagnose. Different wall materials require specific flashing techniques for proper protection. Brick and stone walls need properly installed step and counter flashings, while siding and stucco sidewalls should have step flashings woven through the shingles and tucked beneath the wall covering. Many less experienced contractors resort to caulking or tar as a quick solution, but these temporary fixes often create more serious long-term problems than they solve.

Critical Knowledge for Homeowners

Chimneys 101

Chimneys represent one of the most vulnerable points in any roofing system, often becoming the source of persistent leaks and costly damage. Understanding the three primary reasons chimneys cause problems can help you make informed decisions about your roof’s maintenance and protection.

Improper Flashings

Brick and stone chimneys require specialized step and counter flashings that create a watertight seal while allowing for thermal movement. Many inexperienced contractors simply rely on caulking or tar as a quick solution, which eventually cracks and creates more serious problems. Proper metal flashings must be correctly installed with appropriate overlapping and weatherproofing techniques to ensure long-term protection at this critical junction.

Sometimes the problem isn’t with your roof at all, but rather with deteriorating masonry materials. Chimneys should be professionally repointed approximately every 50 years, though poor original workmanship can significantly reduce this lifespan. Deteriorating mortar joints allow water to penetrate the chimney structure and eventually find its way into your home. Professional assessment can determine whether your leak originates from flashing failures or from the chimney structure itself.

Sometimes the problem isn’t with your roof at all, but rather with deteriorating masonry materials. Chimneys should be professionally repointed approximately every 50 years, though poor original workmanship can significantly reduce this lifespan. Deteriorating mortar joints allow water to penetrate the chimney structure and eventually find its way into your home. Professional assessment can determine whether your leak originates from flashing failures or from the chimney structure itself.

Understanding Proper Ventilation Installation

Roof Vents: Critical Vulnerability Points​

Roof Vents

Every penetration in your roof's surface creates a potential entry point for water, and roof vents are among the most common sources of leakage problems. These essential components require specific installation techniques that many contractors fail to properly implement.

Proper Installation Critical

Manufacturer installation guidelines must be strictly followed when installing any type of roof vent. Exposed nail heads should always be properly sealed to prevent corrosion that can eventually lead to water intrusion. Even small deviations from recommended procedures can create vulnerabilities that compromise your roof's waterproof integrity.

Ventilation System Errors

Many roofing problems stem from incorrect vent selection or improper system design. Common mistakes include using exhaust vents as intake vents, mixing different ventilation types within a single attic space, or creating unbalanced systems with improper intake-to-exhaust ratios. These errors can actually worsen attic conditions by drawing moisture and even snow into your attic space, leading to mold growth, reduced insulation effectiveness, and structural damage over time.

Long-Term Consequences

Improperly installed or incorrectly selected ventilation components may function adequately initially but often create problems that develop gradually over years. A properly designed and installed ventilation system not only protects your roof structure but also improves energy efficiency and extends the overall lifespan of your roofing materials through proper temperature and moisture regulation.

Protecting Your Roof from Common Installations

Rooftop Attachments:
Understanding the Risks

Understanding Rooftop Attachment Impacts

Antennas and Satellites: Hidden Roof Threats

While it may seem surprising, foreign objects such as antennas and satellite dishes can significantly accelerate your roof’s deterioration. These necessary installations create multiple problems that affect shingle integrity and waterproofing capabilities. The optimal placement for signal reception typically requires mounting at the roof’s highest point, creating a long-term maintenance challenge.

Three Primary Concerns

Rust Development Metal components that aren’t properly sealed or made from corrosion-resistant materials can develop rust that transfers to your shingles. This corrosion not only creates unsightly streaks but actively degrades shingle materials, reducing their lifespan and protective capabilities.

Bird Activity Antennas, dishes, and similar projections provide attractive perching spots for birds. Their droppings contain acidic compounds that can deteriorate shingle surfaces and eventually compromise waterproofing. This biological damage occurs on both older organic-based shingles and modern fiberglass varieties.

Penetration Points Every attachment point creates holes in your roofing system that can become future leak sources. Even properly sealed penetrations eventually create vulnerability as materials age, weather conditions cause expansion and contraction, and sealants deteriorate over time.

Before Making the Green Energy Commitment

Solar Panels: Special Considerations

The growing popularity of solar panels brings additional roofing considerations that many homeowners overlook. Despite manufacturer assurances about leak prevention, roof protection, and maintenance-free operation, our century of experience suggests consulting with roofing professionals before proceeding with installation.

Essential Precautions

  1. Ensure your roof is in excellent condition before installation, ideally replacing it first. Shingle manufacturers typically exclude coverage for removing and reinstalling solar panels when addressing warranty claims.
  2. When replacing your roof before solar installation, apply high-quality leak barriers or ice and water shield (such as GAF StormGuard) on areas where panels will be mounted to create additional water protection.
  3. Insist on proper mounting brackets specifically designed for your roof type rather than systems that rely primarily on caulking for waterproofing.
  4. Include future maintenance and potential removal costs in your solar investment calculations to understand the true long-term financial impact.