Common Roof Issues: Valley Leaks
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When a Valley Leaks Roof Repair is Needed to Get Water Flowing in the Right Direction
The valley of a roof is the point where two sloped roof angles meet and form a channel. It's an important architectural feature, but it's also one of the weaker spots in the roofing system. The purpose is for valleys to help prevent leaks by helping water flow off the roof and into the gutter system.
When there's an issue in the valley regions of your roof it can cause serious problems. Valley leaks not only allow water to penetrate through, it's also an indicator water isn't channeling off the roof properly, which can create more issues.
Are you having a problem with valley leaks?
Contact LOA For a Free Roof Inspection to Find Out
Common Causes of Roof Valley Leaks
The valley is a vulnerable spot on the roof where many issues can begin. Because the valley is where roofing material meets, there's going to be a seam. Anywhere there's a seam there's a higher potential for leaks. It can happen in the valleys of a roof because of:
Poor Installation
Improper installation is a common cause for a lot of roof problems. When the valley components are not put in place or sealed correctly leaks can form. Even driving in nails over the ridge caps can lead to leaks in the valley. Using the wrong underlayment with a lifespan that's shorter than the roof materials is another common installation problem that causes valley leaks.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing failures are another common culprit for valley leaks. When the flashing underneath the shingles in the valley breaks, lifts up or fails water is not going to be channeled off the roof properly.Clogged Gutters
The logic here is pretty simple. Water is supposed to flow down the valleys to the gutter system where it is funneled off the roof away from the structure. If the gutters are clogged with debris instead of flowing off the roof it will back up and pool in the valleys increasing the chance of roof leaks.Damaged Shingles
With the roof system, one problem can quickly lead to another. Broken shingles near the valley can allow water to leak through. If the valley isn't fully sealed, then the water can keep leaking down into the structure.Poor Ventilation and Condensation
Excess moisture is a problem no matter where it comes from. When there isn't adequate ventilation in the attic and roof, condensation can form, creating excess moisture that gets trapped around the roofing.Ice Dams
Though it isn't common to have freezing weather in Central Texas, ice dams are a common cause for valley leaks. The ice dam can cause moisture to remain trapped in the valley where it can leak down rather than flowing to the gutters.General Wear and Tear
Roofing materials are going to wear out eventually. Some materials take longer than others, but it's a matter of time. As the roof ages, general wear and tear causes the roofing materials to degrade and increases the chance of roofing problems like valley leaks. And because water channels through the valleys, roofing material in these areas tends to wear out quicker.

Finding and Fixing Valley Leaks in the Roofing System
Typically, valley leaks aren't a problem that affects the whole roof, but other parts of the roofing system could be involved that also need repair. The issue can be complex to diagnose and complicated to fix so you'll want to reach out to a professional roofing contractor for assistance.
Inspect the Roof to Determine the Extent of the Damage
Are you experiencing a roof leak in one valley or is this an issue across the entire roof? A professional roof inspection will provide the insight you need to determine the extent of the damage and what's needed to repair it.
Make the Repairs
Repairing valley leaks is a job that many property owners can't handle on their own. To get the job done right where the problem is fixed efficiently without risk of further damage you'll want to get a professional roofing company to do the repair.
The repair is going to involve:
- Removing shingles over the valley.
- Installing an ice and water shield membrane.
- Putting a metal valley flashing that's non-corrosive over the membrane.
- Replacing and properly sealing shingles in place.
Monitor the Situation and Maintain as Needed
Roof leaks won't catch you by surprise with regular inspections and maintenance. It's best to have a roofing contractor inspect your roof at least once a year to monitor how the valley repair is holding up. The roofer can also provide feedback on the general condition of your roof and what maintenance is needed for peak performance.
LOA offers free roof inspections in the Austin, TX area if you need to investigate a leaking roof. Give our team a call at 512-375-3654 to schedule an inspection time.
