Roof Shapes and Common Leaks

Roof Shapes

Roof shapes vary from region to region. They are flatter in regions with a largely tropical climate and sloped in areas that experience a lot of rainfall and snowfall.

The pitch of a roof measures its steepness. It is defined by the rise of a roof over a 12” span. Generally, a roof with a pitch of 3/12 or under is low-pitch, and roofs with a pitch of 8/12 or over are considered steep.

There are 6 basic roof shapes:

Gable

A gable is the triangular portion of the wall that is formed when the edges of two roof pitches intersect. It is seen on steep roofs with a high pitch. The shape and details of the gable depend on the aesthetic concerns and materials used.

Flat

A flat roof is a roof with a pitch of 10 degrees or less, indicating that it is close to level. They're very common in arid regions where there is very little precipitation. Even though they are labeled as flat, they have a slight slope to allow for rainwater to run off to the lower side. Built-up roofing (BUR) and modified bitumen roofs are some examples of flat roofs.

Hip

A hip roof is a roof that slopes down from the peak on all four sides without a gable or vertical end. The sides of a hip roof meet at the top to form a ridge, the exterior angle where the sides meet is called the hip, and the triangular surface formed by the hips is called the hip end. They're known for their high wind performance and ease of construction, as all the walls are of the same height.

Shed

A shed roof is a single-sloping roof with varying steepness. It can also be called a skillion or pent roof. It eliminates corners and low points on the walls, creating abundant space inside, unlike a typical gable roof that has two walls peaking at the center.

Gambrel

A gambrel roof is a symmetrical roof with two slopes on each side. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle and the lower slope is steep. This roof aims to provide the advantages of a sloped roof while also increasing the available space on the upper level of the building.

Mansard

A mansard roof is a multi-sided gambrel-style roof with dormer windows. The steep lower slope and the windows allow for additional livable space on the upper floors while reducing the overall height of the roof.

Common Roof leaks and fixes

Roof leaks are a challenge for property owners that can lead to costly repairs or a need to replace the entire roof. However, regular maintenance and proper application of roof coatings/protective products can significantly reduce issues.

SOME CAUSES OF LEAKS:

Drain Leaks

Improperly maintained drains leak often, and are commonly misdiagnosed as a failure in the roof or coating/membrane. In reality, the problem often lies in the drain assembly, as the seals around drains deteriorate over time and the drain caps may become loose or corroded, resulting in leaky roofs.

How To Fix It:

• Thoroughly inspect the drain to identify any defects.
• Replace faulty/corroded drain components.
• Make sure the waterproof sealant is in good condition.
• Repair any damaged roofing membrane in and around the drain.

Neglect Of Roofing Decks

An overlooked roofing deck can enable water to infiltrate the system through small cracks, especially if conditions like ponding water and debris are present.

How To Fix It:

• Conduct regular inspections and ensure proper drainage of water.
• Install crickets to deal with ponding water.
• Ensure that no pipes drain directly onto the roof and that all HVAC units have drain pipes.
• Replace sections of the roof membrane that seem to be compromised, or coat them with a quality roof coating.

Overlooked Flashing Failures And Punctures/Tears

A lack of parapet capping or counter-flashing where necessary, or improperly installed or deteriorated flashing around vents, chimneys, and edges can allow water to penetrate.

Also, foot traffic outside of designated areas, falling debris, dragging or moving equipment improperly, or aging materials like wooden risers can lead to breaches in the roofing membrane.

    How To Fix It:

• Ensure proper parapet flashing and counter-flashing where needed.
• Make use of a system-compatible sealant to reseal any damaged flashing.
• Limit foot traffic to only designated areas with walk pads and have slip mats in place when planning to move equipment.
• If there are any holes or tears, patch them with compatible materials and apply a roof coating over them.

Maintenance tips to prevent leaks

Regular maintenance is essential to prolonging the lifespan of a roof and avoiding costly repairs. Incorporating regular inspections helps address small problems before they become significant.

A Few Tips:

• Schedule inspections at least every two quarters to check for signs of wear, cracks, and other damage.
• Inspect roofs after severe weather events like hail storms and high winds.
• Clear debris and dirt from the roof surface (especially gutters, scuppers, and downspouts) so the flow of water is unrestricted.
• Address issues like bubbling, peeling, or cracking in roof coatings immediately.
• After any repair is done, remember to seal/patch it with appropriate materials and reapply the roof coating.
• Replace drain components and seals as needed.

A healthier roof with roof coatings

When applied to a well-maintained roof, a roof coating is a powerful tool in prolonging its life span. Roof coatings are sacrificial barriers that offer protection against the elements of nature, such as wind, UV, and water. However, coatings are not a magical solution and for them to perform optimally, the underlying issues must be addressed first.

Castagra Products, Inc.

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