All
I was called to a house today to find a roof leak.
Last couple of roof leaks have been the rubber boot on vent pipe was bad or bathroom fan piping laying on the insulation was finally shot.
Anyway there was brown spots on the ceiling of the hallway in the center of the house.
I trace leaks quite a bit but this one has me stumped. I’ll post a picture so that you guys can help me out.
Any ideas where the leak came from? Thanks for the help.
Rich
Look closely at these common locations for hazardous materials in older homes.
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Replies
I suppose if the fan is spinning fast enough it'll keep the water out.
i think those nails on the bottom of flashing are the problem. :]
if it was me i would ct a 5gal bucket of tar,fix the nails use remainder on the fan so it don't rust anymore
YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T
MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE
DUCT TAPE.
Thanks, man, I needed that.
k
I don't know... those shingles look fine to me. Maybe check the other side of the roof? Also, it could be condensation under that fan, if it's letting cold air in. Try hosing it down see if that makes any difference.
Hope that helps.
~ Ted W ~
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The roof is fine. Those brown spots on the ceiling are actually caused by the HO shaking up the beer bottles too much before opening them.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Everything fits, until you put glue on it.
I agree w/ always. The nails on the bottom edge of the flashing ... they shouldn't be there. That edge is supposed to remain free, I think; isn't it? Anyway, I'd say the nails, too. Hard to say from the outside, though and what you describe. I trace leaks from the inside (i.e. attic).
Edited 5/5/2009 9:14 am ET by RalphWicklund
Thanks for clarification. Wind issue drives the requirement? I'd still be a bit surprised, but hey, each jurisdiction has their reasons.
clewless
I like the bottom of very flashing to be secured with nails or screws.
I do mostly reroofing so I see what theyn look like when they are not secured.
I would rather have a tight flashing with a nail than a big gap and no nail.
Nail holes are rarely the source of noticable leaks.
A nail hole where alot of water is diverted to (valley) is a different story.
Rich
I like the bottom of very flashing to be secured with nails or screws.
I agree - but I hate face nails.
We nail down strips so the nails are barely covered by the front edge with the strips protruding. We then flip the strips back over the top of the flashing and pop rivet them. http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Could you expound on your description? I would like to know the bullet-proof way to avoid face nails.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
seeyou
That would work with a strong pice of metal 26 or 24 ga.
Rich
First guess would be the nail on lower end of flashing are allowing water to enter because the shingle crotch are very close to side flashing ends, on a heavy rain I would bet water is entering the crotch & working under the side flashing until it rolls down & enters thru the nail penetration, I would lift the side shingles Add silicone to the entire side flashing & relay shingles, or add a piece of flashing under the crotch cut outs instead. Don't forget to add some silicone to the exposed nails & low end.
so where is the lid????
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Imerc
They have lids?
That's a new one. Maybe it's an upcharge for one with a lid and that's why I have never seen ne with a lid.
Do you think that would help keep the rain out?
Rich
yup....
never saw one without one...
like so...
View ImageRoof-Mounted Power Attic VentThe All Season™ model fights heat and humidity with a combination automatic thermostat/humidistat.
View ImageSolar Powered Roof-Mounted Attic VentAn environmentally friendly, energy saving alternative to traditional power attic ventilators.
or a baffel...
or a wind cap....
they keep out the snow and ice too...
and are you serious???
that ring arount the vent is to hold the cap...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
Imerc
Well I'll be.
The new things a guy will learn on the internet.
I'll be the wholesaler in Sioux City has been removing those lids and selling them on the side to kids for sledding.
Rich
now I know yur being sarcastic...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
Yeah, haven't you ever smelled what the roofers are smoking?
The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith
Funny guy!I thought you had taken it off to look in and check something!;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
They clearly need more ventilation. I'd suggest adding some "roof fans", 14" diameter, 6'o.c.
That oughta get that moisture out. And you'll definitely want to start charging for consultation visits...
Might want to stick a couple of buckets underneath them as well. Bring 'em down once a week, pour 'em into a pot and voila: fricasseed squirrel and pigeon stew.
With all the money they save on food, they could buy some tarps. Living large!
-t
web
Might want to stick a couple of buckets underneath them as well.
Better yet, run a hose to a vent stack, then you would never need to dump them.
Squirrels would have to find another water source though.
Rich
Perhaps the motor is wired incorrectly and the fan is rotating the wrong direction?
"Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words." - St. Francis of Assisi
No, I didn't vote for him; but he IS my president. I pray for the his safety, and the safety of his family every day. And I pray that he makes wise decisions.
LOL
Rich
Yeah, they forgot to tar the nail heads.
are you sure the ROOF is leaking?
Could be from condensation. Can you provide more information where the brown spots are? What is above those spots?
semar
This fan is right above the brown spots.
Rich
Seriously, SeeYou makes some real nice copper fan covers. I may have a pic of one of the ones we've installed. Bolted to the fan frame, it looks a LOT better on the roof, and is almost a requisite on a copper roof.
Hit him up for one.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt
View Image
sphere
If I did a copper roof I would.
This roof is very mildewed and due for replacement in about 5-10 years.
Rich
All
Problem solved
Thanks to IMERC I discovered that these fans should have a lid.
Of all things. Well I special ordered one with a thermostat/humistat.
I specified that this time I wanted a lid on it. I put my foot down. I wasn't going to get fooled again.
I wired it up live, and installed it from the roof only.
I just happened to have a part bundle of these red/white shingles in my basement from the last time I had a hard time finding them.
And yes I have 4 exposed nails at the bottom. I covered them with gutter caulk. I also use gutter caulk (or urethane) on exposed nails on cap. I find that silver color blends with most colors, or looks like bird poop.
Thanks for all your help.
View Image
Rich LOL
Edited 5/5/2009 8:15 pm ET by cargin
All
I hope you all enjoyed the joke.
Most leaks take some detective work, so I had a big laugh when I walked up on this roof and I wanted to share it.
Rich
Thank you very much
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
You ever see the Twilight Zone episode where the aliens landed in the old lady's attic? I think of that every time I see those power vent shrouds.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
The one where they are actually earthlings on a planet of giants?Wallyo
Edited 5/5/2009 9:14 pm by wallyo
Yup - you're giving it awayhttp://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
seeyou
No I never saw that one.
I wasn't in to TW very much.
Rich
Bottom edge of that flashing looks lifted and loose, meaning the nails in it are loose in the decking.
So when wind blows, water is under there finding a way in.
Also possible at top of valley opposite - something looks goofy over there.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
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replace the batteries for the force field
Cargin
Wrong picture that does not help at all, now post a picture of the ceiling inside then maybe we can help!
wallyo
Sorry no interior pics.
I did take a pic of the insulation.
Only 6" of FG. I want to sell them on an insulation job.
Power company will pay for 60% of it. Flue chase looks like a big air leak too.
Rich