Hard to Find Leak in Ceiling
I have a small leak in the ceiling of my dining room that is located in the extension of the brownstone. Above that ceiling is the extension’s roof. My neighbor’s deck is located on top of that roof. So far we have had two roofers in and they have been unable to determine the source…
I have a small leak in the ceiling of my dining room that is located in the extension of the brownstone. Above that ceiling is the extension’s roof. My neighbor’s deck is located on top of that roof.
So far we have had two roofers in and they have been unable to determine the source of the leak. One roofer suggested pulling up part of the deck and patching the roof that is right over the leak. The other just looked at us and said “i have no idea, it could be anywhere. Pull up the deck and replace the whole roof “. Yikes. The roof is 16 years old and rubber. I don’t know that either of these guys really know what they are talking about. Any ideas on what to do next? Is a roofer the right choice? Help…
Thanks
Hello morningbell1 My name is Dan and I am a licensed contractor if you want give me a call so we can dicuss it further I can be reached at 718 919-7794.
Thank You,
Dan
Use a water test. That’s what an engineer would to. Run a hose on the most likely area (deck footing, for example) and see where it leaks. + modsquad.
You might try taking a hammer to your ceiling and looking inside. It might be obvious where it’s coming from.
Bessie2: We recently had our roof replaced with Johns Manville products including walkpads with granulate surfaces. Not sure whether these JM links will help you, and don’t have more detailed specs easily accessible right now: http://www.jm.com/
http://www.specjm.com/commercial/roofing.asp
Vinca:
I always appreciate your links! I saw this one from Rand before. One of the alternatives they refer to is a mineral embedded layer application. Do you happen know of any specific manufacturers? I’m assuming this is like a sprots roof system, but I’d love to use something like it when I rebuild our rear addition.
A 16 year old rubber roof is probably at the end of its life cycle. Ed Kopel Architects, PC
For all the reasons described above (plus more) the second guy is probably a lot closer to the truth. BTW, just because your neighbor’s deck has been there a long time does not mean it’s legal re: DOB and permits. Try Googling “roof leaks” or “common roof leak locations” and you’ll find lots of information online. Most roofs are not constructed to withstand additional load, including the load of a roof deck. This link covers some concerns re: recreational roof systems: http://www.randpc.com/ask/ate_RoofDeck.html
My deck is on top of a store. It’s separated by steel framing, which is supported by the exterior walls. When we had leaks, I went out with our contractor who helped me pop up sections of the deck. We started close to where we saw the leaks; the areas that needed patching were pretty obvious. Later, another leak sprang up a few feet away, I had the contractor patch that and to check elsewhere near the exterior walls and parapet coping. It’s bound to be much trickier is the deck is resting right on the roof but you’ll stilll just have to start with the most obvious place and work your way out.
Just to clarify. this is a coop. When i say neighbor i mean my upstairs neighbor and this is a legal deck. The deck was installed many years ago. I have lived in the apartment only 4 years and this is the first leak i have had from this part of the house.