Roof leak at a low slope Valley in West Knoxville. These roofs are about 10 years old and were installed after a hailstorm. The area of concern is a 1.8 to the 12-pitch roof. This section of the roof is lower than the recommended slope for shingles. So one of the solutions that we were advised to resolve this roof leak is a membrane roof over the downward slope area. Membrane roofing is traditionally thought of as a commercial-style roof or a rubber roof. This roofing material will go underneath the shingles on the surrounding slope and cover the flat portions of this roof.
The next solution that we mention will be much cheaper and easier but will not have the same level of confidence for resolving this roof leak issue, that is to caulk all of the shingle unions, caulk the facia returns, and caulk any penetrations seal up everything where the water can spread or leak anywhere on this low slope roofing material. Several people have attempted to resolve this roof leak, and their repairs have not worked yet, but these are two very viable solutions that have a good chance of fixing this problem.
This solution made it very easy to have a roof it stopped leaking.
This project added cost to every unit so that the shingle unions would not leak. This will be a straightforward solution. Hopefully, this resolves this roof leak on this low slope roof after 7 inches of rain. We’re fairly confident that this resolves the problem.
The rest of this project was completed by lightspeed construction installers. We did a great job and stopped the roof leak. It was a terrific project, and the customers were extremely happy because we resolved the problems.
Low Slope Roof Has Everything Sealed
- 1All Unions Sealed
All of the nails were sealed under the shingles along with every union. The unions could have been a source for leaks considering that this is a very low slope roof. No water will be entering into the shingles from these unions any more.
Go To Pin - 2Roof Line Sealed
The roof line was completely sealed up from top to bottom. There was old caulking at some spots that was deteriorating and could have been a cause for leaks.
Go To Pin - 3All Vents Sealed
All vents were sealed, including the exhaust stacks. They were sealed with clear caulk all around the edges and at the nail holes. Nail holes are a perfect source for leaks.
Go To Pin - 4Window Sealed
The front window had large gaps in between the window and the brick. It was sealed with clear caulk. Gaps in the window can cause significant energy usage and should be sealed.
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Shingles on a roof in the valley
Table of contents
- The first roof leak is near the pitch break
- This is the second roof leak that is appearing inside
- Shingles are not always great for low slope roofs

- 1The first roof leak is near the pitch breakGo To Pin
- 2This is the second roof leak that is appearing inside
This is the second roof leak that is appearing inside. This roof leak is in the middle of this valley around 10 feet down from where the pitch changes. There is some moisture issue in the drywall on the inside, there’s a picture of my moisture meter here. This leak is most likely coming in not at one of the exhaust pipes but at a shingle union where the water can be getting in. There’s a picture of a shingle union at the rusted nail in the nail is close to close to the union of the shingle. Take a look.
Go To Pin - 3Shingles are not always great for low slope roofs
When you add shingles to a low slope roof sometimes it works great there’s never any problems. From time to time what can be experienced it is that the roof is great for many years and then has problems. This Ruth is at a 1.8 to 12 pitch take a look at the picture.
The two solutions propose to resolve this are going to be a membrane roof like a rubber roof or a solution we’re all shingle unions are caulked all penetrations are called the fascia return And flashing are all sealed tightly. This is too possible ways that this issue can be resolved.
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Leaking roof at a low slope Valley
- 1Video of inspection of the roof leak at a low slope valley
This video inspection of this roof leak shows two different solutions that were proposing. One is a membrane solution over this lower slope Valley; the other is to seal every union, penetration, and flashing. Take a look. This will help describe what we’re talking about pretty well.
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