A homeowner in the Hampton Cove area of Huntsville called us about a roof leak, and the source turned out to be a pitch transition, the spot where one section of the roof changes slope and meets another. Transitions like this are one of the most common places for a leak to start, because water running down the steeper section collects right at the joint.
Project at a glance
- Location: Hampton Cove area, Huntsville, AL
- Problem: A leak at a roof pitch transition that had no ice and water shield
- Repair: Damaged decking replaced with new OSB, ice and water shield installed, shingles replaced
- Shingles: GAF Weathered Wood
What we found
When we opened up the area, the transition had been built without any ice and water shield underneath the shingles. Without that self-sealing membrane, wind-driven rain and runoff had been working their way under the shingles and into the roof deck. The plywood along the edge of the opening was stained and deteriorating, which told us the moisture had been getting in for some time rather than during a single storm.
How we repaired it
- Opened the damaged area. We cut out the affected roofing and decking down to the framing, so we could confirm the rafters underneath were sound.
- Fitted new decking. We measured and cut a new sheet of OSB to fit the opening and fastened it securely.
- Added ice and water shield. Before any shingles went back on, we installed the membrane across the transition, so the most vulnerable joint on that part of the roof now has a waterproof layer beneath it.
- Finished with matching shingles. We installed GAF Weathered Wood shingles and blended them into the surrounding roof, so the repair sits naturally on this multi-level roof, with the Huntsville ridgeline in the background.
Why it matters
A roof leak never fixes itself, and a leak at a pitch transition is no exception, because the damage underneath keeps growing long before a stain shows up on the ceiling. If you have noticed water stains below a spot where your roof changes pitch, or any transition that was never given proper waterproofing, it is worth having it looked at early. Learn more about our roof repair service, or call 1-256-ROOFERS at (256) 766-3377 to schedule a free roof inspection.
