Common roof leaks

The most common leak on cement tiles, concrete tiles and clay tiles occur around skylights and to a lesser degree, chimneys. In fact it is not the Columbia Skylight or Velux Skylight that is leaking, but more so likely the roof system around the skylight that is failing.

The attached picture shows what a typical skylight looks like when the tiles have been removed around it. The style or color of the tile is not important in this example however the most common roof tile is like these, with a Roman profile, but only in red. All skylights are designed the same way. Same too with chimneys! What commonly happens is the metal pan flashing around the skylight/chimney fills with debris and blocks a clean and clear passageway for the rain water to flow. In the case pictured you can see the debris building up in the pan flashing. You will also notice that the vertical containment lip on the outside edge of the pan flashing has been pinned down (is white in color in the photo) or pushed down by the weight of the tiles that usually sit on top of the flashing. As this vertical containment lip is forced down, the containment capabilities of the pan flashing are reduced. When the containment lip is almost flat with the pan flashing and there is a build up of debris nearby this compromised area, a leak is only a matter of time from happening.

The service package we offer includes removal of the tiles to expose the pan flashing, cleaning and straightening of the pan flashing, caulking as necessary and reassembly of the system. Sometimes it is necessary to use a diamond blade grinder to “notch out” the underside of the tile so it is no longer in contact with, or sitting on top of, the containment lip. Our skylight maintenance pan flashing service package includes digital photos e-mailed to you of your skylights disassembled to substantiate all work actions. In fact, there is no need for anyone to be home.

Crucial Roof Services is your Lower Mainland tile roof specialists. We service all municipalities in the GVRD including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moddy, New Westminster, Langley, White Rock, Ladner, Delta, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Mission and Abbotsford.