The Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks
Most leaks we trace on GTA homes don't come from the open field of shingles. They come from the places where the roof is interrupted: anywhere something passes through it or two surfaces meet. These details take the most abuse from wind, ice and temperature swings, and they're where sealants and flashing wear out first.
- Chimney flashing: step and counter flashing that has pulled away from the masonry or been sealed with caulking that has since cracked.
- Plumbing vent boots: rubber collars around stack pipes that dry out and split after years of UV exposure.
- Roof vents and exhaust caps: lifted or cracked vents, missing fasteners, or old sealant.
- Valleys: where two roof planes meet and channel a large volume of water and ice.
- Skylights: failed seals, deteriorated flashing kits or condensation issues mistaken for leaks.
- Wind-lifted or missing shingles after storms, which expose nail heads and underlayment.
- Ice dam damage along the eaves after a hard winter.











