Shinnick, Ryan & Ransavage, P.C.

“Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head.” How to Identify Construction Defects in Your Roof

      Because of the continuing construction boom in Nevada, there is an increasing chance that your home may not have been built according to codes and applicable construction standards. Big residential developers or the sub-contractors they hire sometimes cut corners or violate the Uniform Building Codes for different reasons: sometimes to save money or sometimes because they just don’t know or weren’t taught the proper methods of building.
      Roof construction can be particularly troublesome. Curved tile roofs look great, but they require careful work to assemble the roof tiles, sheet metal, concrete wind barriers, and roofing paper in a watertight way. Flat tiles are simpler to install but still require careful assembly of the sheet metal and tiles, along with the related construction of nearby wall and window surfaces. Asphalt shingles are typically much easier to install and much less likely to leak.
      Many roofing problems can be discovered by a simple visual inspection of the roof and gutters. Cracked and slipped tiles are easily spotted, even if it is not so easy to insert a few new tiles into the middle of an otherwise good roof.
      The most obvious signs of a roof leak are the dampness, staining, discoloration, or even visible water at ceilings. Unfortunately, these “first signs” of leaks often are the “last signs” of leaks that have:

started at the roof tile,
gone through the roofing paper,
penetrated the plywood roof sheathing,
run down the attic framing,
ponded on the hidden side of drywall in the ceiling or walls,
soaked through the drywall compound and tape, and
finally stained the visible paint and shown up as a “leak.”

      A little more detective work can reveal the causes of the leak. For example, nails that have been driven through the sheet metal on the roof can often open holes for water and moisture to enter. These nail holes are usually concealed by the tile, but can be checked by carefully lifting up the tile edges near the sheet metal.
      A more difficult problem could exist if the roofing paper underlayment is torn or simply lacking under the roof tiles. This roofing paper underlayment is designed to act as the actual waterproofing membrane, to prevent water which blows, splashes, or drains beneath the tiles to be carried off the roof. Finding problems with hidden underlayment is best left to a roofing contractor so that the roofing can be restored in the area of the leak.
      Checking the roof edges can also be revealing. Improper roof drainage or scupper installation can allow water or moisture to damage the edges of your home. Telltale signs include discolored stucco, ponding on roofs or decks, or stains or cracks near roof and wall intersections where water has soaked into nearby framing and caused the wood to swell.
      When faced with a difficult leak to locate, the homeowner may need to contact a roofing contractor or other construction professional for help. It is common for water to travel along various paths before it shows up in your home’s ceiling. One thing is certain however: even though “it never rains in Nevada,” checking your roof before the damage happens is a great idea.

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