Flashing around vents and chimneys is a classic trouble area, especially after a rough winter.
That’s a good point about the flashing. I’ve been focusing on the valleys where two roof slopes meet, since that’s where ice dams built up for me this year. I usually start by checking the attic for any damp spots or stains before I even get up on the roof—just seems safer and sometimes you catch things you’d miss outside. Do you ever look inside first, or just go straight to the exterior inspection?
I always start inside too—attic tells you a lot, especially after a freeze-thaw cycle. But I wouldn’t ignore the outside either, since some leaks don’t show up right away indoors. Valleys are a pain, but I’ve had more surprise leaks from old nail holes near the ridge, honestly.
Those old nail holes are sneaky, aren’t they? I’ve seen more than one “mystery drip” that traced back to a spot near the ridge, especially after a rough winter. I still spend a lot of time checking valleys, though—ice dams love to form there in my area. Sometimes you think you’ve got it all covered, then a random ceiling stain pops up two weeks later... roofs keep us humble.
Those nail holes can be a real pain, especially with older shingles. I see a lot of leaks start right at those spots after freeze/thaw cycles. Valleys are definitely trouble zones, but I’ve also found that flashing around vents gets overlooked. Even a tiny gap there can cause headaches…
Funny you mention vent flashing—last spring I inspected a place where the only leak was a slow drip right at the bathroom vent. The shingles looked fine, but there was just enough of a gap in the flashing to let water sneak in after a thaw. Ever notice how those little spots get missed during quick repairs? I always wonder if folks check under the insulation in the attic for stains, or just look from outside...
