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TOPIC: Leaking

Condominium Roof leaks

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Hello, I was wondering if someone can help our condo? We have a 21 unit building with an aluminium metal roof. It is about 4 years old/ about 6000 sq ft and we have had several leaks. 2 of which was patched several years ago with caulk. Now we have what seems like a major problem. There is a leak that seems to follow the slope of the building. This is damaging several units. Developer is having hard time finding it. I want to ask, is this normal maintenace issues that we need weather? Should we expect this of metal roof? The developer is working to resolve this, but I think he is doing it incorrectly (cheaply). Should I be concerned that the roof was not installed correctly? Should I get an expert? Would this site be the right place to get an expert to look at our problem? The developer is probably getting his contractor to do control water tests to narrow down the location of the leak. I believe he will just caulk it after he finds it. Should we the owners be concern that this is a temporary fix and not a permanent one? Thanks
Guest User

12/20/2005
Sorry to hear of experiences like this but they do happen unfortunaately. Generally speaking, roof systems seldom develop leaks in the field and are typically related to a flashing detail around a penetration or wall, etc. Unfortunately you do not mention the area you are, the type of roof system and the configuration of the roof. Buildings do move. A chimney from a basement up two storeys through the roof as example will move at the roof penetration and flashings need to be designed to flex. Certainly square penetraions or terminations requre good detaail work and will rely on a sealant somewhat. A water test is the best method to source the leak and it could be a simple repair. If in doubt, identify the manufacturer of the product and contact them.
Allan Reid
Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc.

12/20/2005
Allan, Thank you so much for responding so quickly. We are in the boston area. I have been told it is a standing seam aluminum and manufacturer is unknown. It looks very much like the ...Custom Blt Titan CB-100 Mechanical Seam. Its a low sloping roof. We cannot contact the manufacturer. It sounds like there is not much to be concerned about. We just need to rely on the search and seal method. Any advise would be great!
D S

12/20/2005
There are many good sealant products out there with extended warranties. In fact some sheet products use sealing tape at the joints. Good luck.
Allan Reid
Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc.

12/21/2005