| Author |
Message |
    
John Holl
Citizen
Username: Jgh
Post Number: 120
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 2:40 pm: |     |
In our 1930's-built house, the second floor bedroom has water coming through the plaster, both on the ceiling and the wall. We put in a new roof and had the chimney (which is next to the leaking area) sealed...all to no avail. Can anyone recommend an expert leak finder and repairer with whom they've had a good experience? |
jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3279
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 3:18 pm: | |
Call your roofer back. That job came with warranties from him and the Mfg. of the shingles.
I developed a leak 2 years after my new roof.
Scott's roofing was out the same day to find and solve the problem.
(Hint: Stacks of wet leaves on the roof cause water to flow odd directions.) |
John Holl
Citizen
Username: Jgh
Post Number: 121
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 3:37 pm: | |
The leaks were there before the roof was done, and continue today. The roofer has been back four times, and has finally concluded that the water is not getting in through the roof. Indeed, it seems that the water only comes through when we have a driving rain (the wall has a western exposure). I think the roofer is correct and that's why I'm looking for a good leak detective. |
wharfrat
Citizen
Username: Wharfrat
Post Number: 833
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 6:52 pm: | |
John-
Is it possible there is gapping occurring between the chimney and the exterior walls of your house?
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John Holl
Citizen
Username: Jgh
Post Number: 122
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 7:26 pm: | |
Wharfrat: I guess it is possible, since I have not gotten up on a ladder to closely inspect. We did have a chimney guy come and seal around all of the areas he suspected might be the source of the problem.
Also, in response to jgberkeley's earlier suggestion that leaf stacking may be the culprit, I can see no leaves anywhere on the roof, much less near the problem area, which is steeply pitched.
If only there were a Sherlock Holmes of leak detection.
|
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3779
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 7:33 pm: | |
For the first time in recorded history I agree with WharfRat. I would suspect that the step flashing around the chimney was not installed properly. This should be woven in amongst the shingles and the part next to the chimney should be bent over at 90 degrees and inserted into a channel in the chimney.
Where is Tommy Silva when you really need him? |
vermontgolfer
Citizen
Username: Vermontgolfer
Post Number: 169
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 7:53 pm: | |
John,
We're having 'wall' leaks as well. Had the gutter replaced, since roofer thought that could be the problem. Unfortunatley, after replacing the gutter, I scrapped down the wall, re-plastered but hadn't yet painted, thank goodness, because after last weeks rain, guess what, leaking through the walls once again. Roofer, Scott's, due back on Monday to check it out. If you find a solution would love to know and if we find one, will post here.
|
upondaroof
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 1
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 8:37 pm: | |
Hello All,
I'm a Roofing Contractor for the last 36 years, specializing in residential repairs. I work alone, doing repair and maintenance work and am limited in the scope of repair I can perform, but I'm available to diagnose the cause of your leakage and would be able to recommened someone to remediate your problem if I could'nt. You can reach me at 973/325-1888. |
vermontgolfer
Citizen
Username: Vermontgolfer
Post Number: 172
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 9:02 pm: | |
upondaroof,
love the screen name. If I don't solve my problem, I'll give you a call. |
John Holl
Citizen
Username: Jgh
Post Number: 125
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, November 13, 2003 - 12:56 pm: | |
An update and a question:
Upondaroof came and inspected my problem, which apparently is a chimney problem. The chimney's "wash" needs cementing and the bricks above the roofline need sealing. Upondaroof was prompt, thorough and professional, and refused to charge me for his diagnosis. (I feel uncomfortable identifying him online since he didn't in his own posts.) He doesn't do chimney work, but referred me to someone who does.
Question: Can anyone recommend a chimney repair/waterproofing company with whom they've had a good experience? |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 179
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 13, 2003 - 5:44 pm: | |
John-- Do you have a radiator? We had a leak similar to what you are talking about that was caused by our radiator having to much water in the pipes. The water started coming through our ceiling and walls.
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John Holl
Citizen
Username: Jgh
Post Number: 127
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, November 14, 2003 - 8:59 am: | |
RedY67: We have no radiators in the house -- forced air heat instead. The clincher is that the leaks become apparent only after a driving rain. |
marken
Citizen
Username: Marken
Post Number: 69
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 14, 2003 - 9:25 am: | |
Caveat: While I haven't had done exactly what you need here are a couple of frequently recommended chimney cos:
Elite Chimney: www.elitechimney.com, 973-463-0077
(ask for Kevin, I think he's the owner)
Top Hat & Tails: www.tophattails.com, 973-761-1054
|
kathy
Citizen
Username: Kathy
Post Number: 660
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, November 15, 2003 - 10:56 pm: | |
John, A house that we used to live in (1940's Cape Cod) had a longstanding problem of water coming through the dining room ceiling. It only seemed to happen during driving rains. Previous owners had tiled over the falling ceiling, and then the tiles came down....
The problem was finally diagnosed as a lack of flashing under the shingles of the dormer window above the dining room. When the dormer was properly flashed, the problem (finally!) went away. We were able to replaster the ceiling and have it stay up.
So check the flashing around your chimney or whatever else is nearby. |
John Holl
Citizen
Username: Jgh
Post Number: 130
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 1:22 pm: | |
Update: The chimney repair worker recommended by Upondaroof came by the other day and patched up some of the brickwork in the chimney, which he believes is causing the leak. After this heavy rain, we should know if he fixed it.
Marken: Thanks for the references.
Kathy: Good tip; we'll check that out if the current fix doesn't work. |
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