Finding the Roof Leak
It started with the roofers not removing the old layer of shingles.
I live in an old farmhouse with a vaulted ceiling in the living room. The room is open to an adjacent space with a ceiling that slopes away from the fireplace chimney. About 10 years ago, I replaced an aging roof with standing-seam metal.
To save time and money, the roofers didn’t remove the old asphalt shingles. A leak continues to reappear in the sloped ceiling near the chimney. We’ve repaired the ceiling and reflashed the chimney, but nothing works.
— Jessica McElhaney
The Fix
In retrospect, you’ve probably realized that the mistake was not ripping off the old shingles before adding the new roofing. There may be a tiny opening or other damage within or under the old layers, which allows water to percolate through despite the new roof covering.
To find the source of the leak, start at the stain. Remove the wood planks and insulation to look inside for wet areas. If possible, track the water back to the source. Next, look for visible evidence on the roof itself. Use a ladder, wear secure footwear, and be extremely cautious.
Falls from roofs and ladders are far too common and can result in serious injury. Hire a professional roofer if you have any doubts. Go over the entire roof area and check for pinhole leaks, dents, corrosion, and loose flashing or seams, especially in roof valleys near the leak.
If nothing turns up, try soaking the roof with a garden hose. With someone inside to check for signs of incursion, start a gentle water flow at the lowest section of the area of the stain. Then wet the higher portion. Continue to move up the roof, including spraying or wetting roof valleys and flashed areas.
With luck, you’ll be able to pinpoint where the leak originates. It should be possible to repair it by replacing or reflashing a small section of the metal roof. If not, you’ll have to remove the roof over that section, then strip away the old shingles. You may still need to do additional detective work before you can repair areas of obvious damage.
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