Roofing repair issues can occur almost anywhere across the roof's surface. However, there are some common areas where you are likely to see an issue. And, the roof valley is one part of the roof where you may notice some leak concerns. Valley leaks do require some specific roofing services with the assistance of a professional. Find out what they will do.

Add a Water Shield

The roof valley is prone to leaks and this is why roofers will typically add a protective barrier along the base of the valley. The barrier is called a water shield and if it was not installed on the original roof, then it will be added at the time of the repair. The water shield is a polymer and bitumen membrane that sits in the roof valley and extends outward two or three feet on either side of the valley. 

The water shield sits directly on the roof deck. This means that the roofing shingles and the protective felt must be removed to access the deck. This is an extensive job and you may want to think about a complete roof replacement if your roof is due for a shingle replacement within the next few years. 

Also, since valley leaks are ones that are likely to make their way all the way to the roof deck, you may want to think about deck replacement along the leak area. Roof decks are wood constructions that will rot when exposed to water. Rotting areas will expand and cause significant structural issues. So, spot repairs are not effective in this case. However, whole sections can be easily replaced once the felt materials are removed.

Valley Adjustment

During the initial installation of the roof, valleys are constructed at specific angles and pitches to ensure good water flow. However, if calculations are not completed correctly, then this can lead to significant damage along the valley and leaking problems. If the valley is too steep, then water can move at a quick speed when draining off the roof. This can wash away the granules and leave the valley shingles unprotected from sun damage, which will age the shingles. 

If the valley is not steep enough, then water will pool in the valley. This is a more significant issue in the winter where an ice dam can form. Expanding ice can cause shingle damage, and sometimes when ice is trapped, it will seep underneath the shingles and create a leak.

There are a few things that can be done to adjust the valley. Additional shingles can be added to slow down water movement and to create a more curved area where water cannot gather as much. Also, the roofer can add heating tape, additional vents, and insulation to reduce the formation of ice dams. Learn more by hiring roofing services.