skip to main content

Leaking roof, should I worry about structural damage!?!?

8 years ago

We bought our house "as is" about 1 year ago. Before even moving in, we had a new roof installed.

A few weeks ago I noticed warped paint - oh no, there may be a leak. Tonight there was a very strong storm, so I crawled into the attic, and sure enough, there was a leak.

So, clearly I should call the roofer to address the leak. But what about the internal damage? And should I worry about the rafters? Do I call my home insurance company? Who pays for all that work?

Here is a video: https://goo.gl/photos/PbuJrRpJNRCtJAv76

Featured Answer

PRO

Sombreuil

8 years ago

Always remember a leak usually is originating somewhere up-slope from where you are seeing the damage. If there is a chimney with flashing or a cricket above it, that is a prime suspect. Assess the condition of the framing once it dries out; waterlogged wood can feel spongy but dry out without lasting harm. It would be a good idea to apply some fungicide/mildewcide at the appropriate time and with precautions.
Casey

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

randy427
8 years ago
I wouldn't be concerned about structural damage though the roofers should be alert for any weakness in that area. The blackened or otherwise deteriorated sheathing probably needs to be replaced. There may be some mold to clean up but eliminating the water source should keep it from recurring. Remove any wet insulation and let the affected areas dry out. Then evaluate any wetted drywall or ceiling in the living space below for possible repair needs. You might only need to apply some stain blocking primer and repaint discolored areas.

A one year old roof should not have leaked. Was there some storm damage or did the roofers do a poor job there?
ryanpatbrady thanked randy427
ryanpatbrady
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi Randy, thank you for your reply.

I suspect that the previous roof leaked in the same place, and that the roofer must have re-used some of the existing structure for the new roof. I also suspect that the area has been leaking all year, but it took a very long time for the damage to be noticeable from inside the bedroom since we had just repainted and installed new crown moulding. The area is right next to a fireplace, I believe that is a common place to leak.

Is it very expensive to replace sheathing? Mold removal? Is there any hope my roofer's insurance will pay for those repairs?
Related Discussions
Worried about the roof pitch - not sure if this is awkward or not
Q
Comments (23)
I think the house will LOOK fine. What concerns me tho is whether you'll have problems with the roof not shedding water properly in the area to the right of the center bumpout (where I've marked with a pink arrow.) It looks like you'll have rain dripping from three sections of roofing (green arrows) and collecting up against the right hand wall of that section...right at the spot where, in your picture, it appears that they still had not finished sheathing the roof. In your elevation drawing it looks as if the original plan was to have a triangular piece of roofing extend from the back wall forward to a point at the bottom front edge of the bumpout in order to cover this area. (I've painted the roof section I'm talking about pink on a copy of your elevation drawing). That would have solved the potential leak issues but it does make the brick wall sticking up above the pink section of roof look kind of odd. In the photograph of the house, it looks like changes have been made to the roof design on this side of the house which resulted in removing the triangular piece of roof. That got rid of the odd "brick wall sitting on top of a roof" look but, I'm afraid, the change may have left you with a roof design that will leave you vulnerable to a leak starting where the roof line meets the side wall of your front bumpout. You're going to have a lot of water coming down in that area, you need to make sure that you have a slope that does not lead water toward the wall.
...See More
Condo damage from roof leaks--who's responsible for repairs?
Q
Comments (4)
1 carefully review bylaws you received either at closing or when you put prop 'under contract'. there should be a section labeled " insurance" that spells out what the master policy covers and what the unitowner policy covers. each unit owner pays for both policies (ultimately) - so be sure you have the correct type of policy and the property limits and endorsements on your individual policy. 2 does your assoc have a prof mgt co or does the board of directions manage? once you know who manages you'll know who to speak w/ 3 if you have mold and mushrooms, the leak(s) probably went on for a long time; long term leaks are typically not covered under a homeowners/condo policy--- so even if the association made an insurance claim they may not get $ to pay; perhaps they owe for the repairs from their savings/contingengy funds 4 the more I type & think, the more I see you needing an attorney; be sure you hire an attorney who has some knowledge of condo associations and unitowners
...See More
Should I be worried about water leaking through the basement wall?
Q
Comments (3)
@Briana Bosch - since the wall has 3" of closed cell spray foam insulation, I believe it is forcing the water to flow down to the base. Nowhere is the wall wet. In fact, Im thinking of cutting off the drywall 1" away from the floor and put the vinyl baseboards, just to avoid getting the drywall wet.
...See More
I Need Help with Leaking Porch Roof
Q
Comments (14)
A proper roof is also very important, because leaks, cause rot, and numerous other problems, that can cost you a whole lot more money to fix all the damage than you would have, if you just had that fence pulled down and repaired it now. Since the diy previous owner, obviously was creative, but,had no real diy talent to go with it, it is probably a very good idea to get the foundation of the porch etc, inspected too. I would have that done before doing the roof, because, there is a possibility that it is unsafe and needs to come down or have supports added. Oh, and by the way, dont worry about the weight of shingles, that porch, is obvously holding a whole lot of weight right now. Have you ever moved a treated fence panel? They are not light weight. There are several of them up there too, which is a whole lot of weight,and when they get wet in the rain, double that amount of weight. It is totally unbelievable what some people do. I am guessing you didnt have a home inspector when you bought it, because, pretty sure that would have had to be corrected. There should have been plywood put on that roof, before the metal, and that would have deadened the sound of the rain. Bare wood, meeting rain, is always a no no. Good Luck to you.
...See More
ryanpatbrady
Original Author
8 years ago
So the black wood - I may not need to replace that? Just have it treated against mold / fungus?
PRO
Cabot & Rowe
8 years ago
We start with the typical 'screwdriver test' by jabbing a flathead screwdriver into the wood to see how far it penetrates. The black may just be on the surface. Dunno. Can't see from here.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
8 years ago
That looks like more than a year's worth of damage to me. It's hard to assess over the interweb. I'd try to work out a paying repair with the roofer when he comes back to fix the leak.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

HOUSEKEEPING Protect Your House From Winter Water Damage

By Buckminster Green LLC

Avoid costly repairs by learning to spot potential problem areas before water damage is done

GARDENING GUIDES Got Frost-Damaged Plants? How It Happens, and When and How to Prune

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Crispy brown leaves are a sure sign that Jack Frost has been to your neighborhood

FUN HOUZZ Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY Remodeling After Water Damage: Tips From a Homeowner Who Did It

By Judith Taylor Designs

Learn the crucial steps and coping mechanisms that can help when flooding strikes your home

BATHROOM DESIGN Water Damage Spawns a Space-Saving Bathroom Remodel

By Mitchell Parker

A game of inches saved this small New York City bathroom from becoming too cramped and limited

WORKING WITH PROS What to Know About Working With a Custom Cabinetmaker

By Laura Gaskill

Learn the benefits of going custom, along with possible projects, cabinetmakers’ pricing structures and more

ARCHITECTURE 4 Things a Hurricane Teaches You About Good Design

When the power goes out, a home's design can be as important as packaged food and a hand-crank radio. See how from a firsthand account

WORKING WITH PROS What Do Landscape Architects Do?

By Falon Mihalic

There are many misconceptions about what landscape architects do. Learn what they bring to a project

MATERIALS Insulation Basics: What to Know About Spray Foam

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Learn what exactly spray foam is, the pros and cons of using it and why you shouldn’t mess around with installation

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Termite damage- Should we still buy this house?

4

Self leveling basement problem

18

Help regarding a leaking roof

6

Advise on refinishing old wood windows?

13

Urgent Need Costa Brava Terrassa Engineered Hardwood Batch of 20'-21'

0