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TOPIC: Leaking

Another Leaking Metal Roof

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We have a metal roof in a home that could be 100 years old. The seams are invisible. It's been leaking in a couple of spots but it looks fine to the eye. If there's a problem, we can't find it. Is there any sort of compound or coating around that will seal leaks at least temporarily? Thx, Phil
Guest User

12/11/2003
I would like some more information on the roof; type of panels, slope, valleys, dormers etc, how long you have owned it and when did it start to leak? Around here homeowners are the worst enemy of older metal roofs in that they change the assembly somehow like blowing in insulation, new chimneys etc. This causes the roof structure to act differantly especially when it comes to ventilation. It is possible that you have a condensation problem. Does it leak every time it rains? Next is that improper ventilation now causes the fasteners to react and rust, which then leaves minute holes for water. Then with the lack of ventilation, the roof starts to move more through hot/cold cycles, sweating underneath and starting to rust with residue out the joints. They then had the roof sprayed with latex asphalt which helps for a while. Then it becomes brittle and cracks at the joints allowing water to channel in. Have a look and get back to me with more info if you need a little more help and contact me directly. Good luck.
Allan Reid
Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc.

12/11/2003
There's not a lot I can tell you about this roof. The roof could be 100 years old. In terms of slope, it has quite a slope in the front similar to a barn. It's been leaking (not terribly) for probably the last 10 years. Water comes in in 2 spots but there is no obvious visible way to determine from where. There are 2 dormers in the front but that doesn't appear to be where it's leaking. We had a tar coating put on it a few years ago which seemed to help. Thanks, Phil
Guest User

12/12/2003
There's not a lot I can tell you about this roof. The roof could be 100 years old. In terms of slope, it has quite a slope in the front similar to a barn. It's been leaking (not terribly) for probably the last 10 years. Water comes in in 2 spots but there is no obvious visible way to determine from where. There are 2 dormers in the front but that doesn't appear to be where it's leaking. We had a tar coating put on it a few years ago which seemed to help. Thanks, Phil
Guest User

12/14/2003
Seldom does a roof leak directly above the spot in the ceiling where it is coming through. Here are a number of things to look for. 1) If you have a masonry chimney, check the flashing but more importantly check the condition of the masony as sometimes it absorbs water like a sponge. 2) Check the roof directly above the leak. Look for soil pipes with bad flashing as the water will run in here and travel down the pipes or rafters until it hiots a spot to drip. 3) Check the ridgecap trim. This has the most wind pressure on it and typically was through fastedened. Here is what you can do yourself. Water test the roof with a water hose and start over the leak. Use volume not pressure which means take the sprayer end off. Make sure you point the hose down the roof aith the natural flow of water. Leave it running in that area for a period to see if you can make it leak. Then move it up the roof a little furtherand try again. Keep trying until you find the leak and be patient as you may need to move left or right of the leak and run the same sequence. If you can't make it leak then it may be condensation and you need to look at the venting. Good Luck.
Allan Reid
Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc.

12/15/2003