skip to main content

Garages/Workshops Design Dilemma garden

Roof/Windows leak, best solution?

5 years ago

Built a greenhouse with old windows for natural light. The problem is it rains more inside the shed than outside. Trying to think of the most economical way to cover the windows to keep the rain out but let the light through. Plexiglass is pretty expensive....

Featured Answer

PRO

BeverlyFLADeziner

5 years ago

Should have used this for the roof. Makes no sense to install windows on the room that HOLD WATER. You need roofing that REPELS WATER. tThis material is inexpensive and you can purchase it at any big box store.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Angel 18432
5 years ago
caulking.
tranger2
Original Author
5 years ago
Used lots of silicone. Laying on their sides hold water on every pane. Need to find a way to keep the majority of water off the window...
Related Discussions
Roof leaked, now mold
Q
Comments (2)
A solution of 1/2 gallon white vinegar, 1/2 gallon hydrogen peroxide, and 1 cup boric acid will kill mold and the mold spores. Bleach will clean mold, but not kill the spores. That mix will not store well, as the hydrogen peroxide turns to water when let open. Wear a protective mask---the kind that seal to the face and has replaceable filters. You can use a garden sprayer---the pump up kind----to spray any areas you find that had mildew/mold. The problem may have gotten into the wall. If so, you will have to remove the drywall on the garage side to kill/clean all the mold. Replacing the drywall can be a two person DIY job with a book explaining the procedure and some work.
...See More
Help! Best temp heating solution for our temp home
Q
Comments (63)
I think you have some good suggestions above regarding heat. Electrical heaters are very expensive. We had two that used dryer like outlets and they cost tons to use. We also went through many of the cheap electric heaters -- they only last so long before they stop functioning. We live in Southern Ontario, Canada. We have been re-building/expanding our house for close to 4 years. We have lived through all sort of horrible, freezing conditions. We have four kids. I have a long winter coat that gets lots of use inside our home. Having a shower is the worst. Don't forget that poly plastic can make a huge difference for pennies to make a wall more insulated. You can poly over tons, and block off a section of your home with poly as well. A few winters ago, we did rent two propane heaters. They were not that great at spreading heat around the home, and they were expensive too. I do hope you find out your old furnace works. I would certainly get a quote to see what that would cost to fix. The difference in fees to rent another heat source, or pay for electrical energy to heat might be more than the furnace repair. Good luck. I hope your winter is not an extreme one. Carol
...See More
Best way to prevent plumbing vent pipe leak and repair?
Q
Comments (5)
You cannot stop rust. You can encapsulate it, but that is not a solution here. Putting a roof coating on top will do nothing but peel off as the rust progresses. It looks to be a B vent for mechanical equipment. Replacement is the only solution, but if there are no holes, just let it go until the next re-roof.
...See More
Roofer says it not his roof leaking? Who do I call to help fix this?
Q
Comments (44)
Progress is being made and I’ve found someone who seems willing to work to solve the problem. The valley was redone and he mention it was a mess of nails under the shingles. The leaking was drastically inproved but still had some leaking during heavy rain and seemed to coming from the area just right of the window will all that caulk. i replaced window and rhe wood next to it and the flashing was redone correctly behind it Gutters were installed on the upper roof and the left end of rhe lower gutter capped and additional punch out to allow more drainage if back up. ifnit doesnt work we’ll need to look at valley above as well but its been raining the past two days and its been dry inside. Will need to paint new window to match the storms but i think the window style fits. i saved the old window but so far i am happy
...See More
qam999
5 years ago
It's a very charming building, but completely impractical. Water will pond in every pane of each window, as well as whatever other depressions or low spot exist in the frame. Then the water will ooze and drip everywhere as it obeys the law of gravity and exhibits capillary action. Caulk alone may delay and lessen the issues but standing water will eventually find a way.

Roofs are designed with straight shot slopes to shed water. You need to create effective drainage for every square inch of your pond system. Keep in mind this is a completely non-approved thing to do. By the time you have adequately mitigated the leakage, you will have wished you did something a little more Home Depot.
tranger2
Original Author
5 years ago
You must be a politician. You took a lot of eloquent words to state the obvious with no solution.
Good luck in your November election.
Laura Hill
5 years ago
What about adding another full, window-sized, pane of glass (or plexi?) over each of the windows to keep water from pooling inside the smaller panes...
tranger2
Original Author
5 years ago
Was thinking large panels of plexiglass (expensive), the clear panels mentioned above (inexpensive but not as aesthetic), maybe searching Craigslist for old sliding doors on house remodels and re purposing the large panels of glass as a skylight over the top (heavy). Still looking for possible answers, not more information describing the problem, I know what it is.
apple_pie_order
5 years ago
Are you open to changing the roof design? A cupola built with your old windows as walls would let in a lot of light on top of a smooth roof. Add a weathervane on top to finish with style.

Rustic Exterior · More Info
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
5 years ago
Flex Seal Spray Rubber Sealant Coating

No windows will work unless you agree to build a curb on the roof.

Related Stories

EXTERIORS Roofing Materials: Slate Makes for Fireproof Roofs That Last

By Rachel Grace

It stands up to weather and fire without losing its high-end look. But can your budget handle it?

REMODELING GUIDES Give Me a Wall, a Roof, or a House of Glass

By Erin Lang Norris

Swoon over spaces warmed by sunlight — from one side, or many

WINDOWS Salvage Spotlight: Warehouse Windows Become a Storage Screen

By Becky Harris

Full of character but originally short on practicality, these panes in a Brooklyn loft now hide gear instead of leaking air

MODERN ARCHITECTURE Keep Your Big Windows — and Save Birds Too

Reduce bird strikes on windows with everything from architectural solutions to a new high-tech glass from Germany

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: Raising the Roof in a Former Barn

By Karen Egly-Thompson

A historic Cape Cod-style kitchen gets a face-lift that adds light and storage

HEALTHY HOME Get Cleaner Indoor Air Without Opening a Window

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Mechanical ventilation can actually be better for your home than the natural kind. Find out the whys and hows here

ARCHITECTURE Design Workshop: The Shed Roof

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

This popular — and versatile — form straddles the divide between contemporary and traditional styles

DECORATING GUIDES Solve Privacy Problems With Window Film

By Lindsey M. Roberts

Let the light in and keep prying eyes out with an inexpensive and decorative window film you can apply yourself

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Butterfly Roofs Top a Sydney Terrace House

By Vanessa Brunner

Modern remodel retains 19th century facade while pouring natural light into new and old spaces

COLOR 3 Exterior Paint Dilemmas, 7 Palette Solutions

By Jennifer Ott Design

Houzzers ready to repaint their home exteriors get custom color advice from a design pro

Sponsored

More Discussions

Need suggestions on detached garage not matching house siding

6

Total Renovation & Addition - 1963 Brick Ranch

7

Complementing doors

0

Exterior Barn Door - Where to source one?

8

Trying to get ideas on diy farmhouse style detached garage/workshop

1