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General Category => Discover Seattle! => Topic started by: Lise on Nov 22 08 08:46

Title: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 22 08 08:46
K.... I just noticed some round water marks on the ceiling. Probably due to last night's stormy weather. What should (or can) I do? What caused it? Like a leak in the roof?
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 22 08 08:59
I'm guessing a leak Lise.  You need to find the source of your leak and have it repaired as soon as possible.  We left ours too long and ended up with more damage to repair than necessary.

  You need to check your attic, to see what's going on up there.  There could be more damage than the little rings on the ceiling....and mould could be a serious problem.  
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: stretchedout on Nov 22 08 09:53
Watch out for the rat droppings up there!  Remember the WV teacher?
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 22 08 10:07
I remember my ex-inlaws having a problem with an ever expanding stain on their ceiling.  Roof was new...and they were assured there was no leak.  Turns out there was a massive....and I mean massive wasps nest in the attic.  After the wasps were sent to wasp heaven....the exterminators actually had to cut the nest to remove it in pieces small enough to clear the attic opening.  Yes...the men could fit through it....but it had to come out in 3 pieces.  It also explained why the pool guy could never fix the hum in the pool pump that was located just outside that end of the house.

  I digress.  I'm suggesting a leak, as it usually takes a combination of rain and wind to expose the weak spots.  
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 22 08 04:00
   
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 22 08 04:36
Yikes!! Scary story there, PC. And yes, I'll have to get someone to look into it as soon as possible. The water marks are concentrated around the skylight area... I'm wondering if there's a leak around the window area.

  Wasps? I'm scared..... we've had incidents where wasps kept coming into the house even though our house has nets all over the place. We've called the exterminators but they've found nothing to date but PC's story certainly has me thinking.

  Either way - it's gonna cost big bucks to fix. (http://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Sad/2.gif)
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 22 08 05:03
     
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: 49er on Nov 22 08 05:15
a lot depends on the type of roof and the shealthing of the house.  Water could be traveling downslope under the roofing and breaking at the skylight
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 22 08 05:25
   
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Marik on Nov 22 08 07:09
uh oh...
(file:///C:/Users/SHINBO%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg%22%20alt=%22%22%5D%5Ba%20href=%22http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009KA2UO.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009KA2UO.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg[/a]

Lise, do you have any little kids around where you live? lol
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 22 08 07:20
Oh, I just hope it's just the caulking problem but a big part of me thinks it's otherwise. At any rate, no way we can reach the ceiling and start the caulking process on our own. When it comes to home repair, we're so darn inept.

  We've got the number for a roof repair person to come in. Will update everyone on what's happening. Pray for me that the problem will be relatively minor therefore less costly.

  Marik: funny man. Where I come from, children rule the house. (http://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/12.gif)
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 22 08 07:25
     
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 22 08 07:38
It would be nice to send him out for repairs.... but have you met my husband? He can't even screw on a lightbulb. I have to do everything at home. Fix the door, figure out the electrical system, caulking in bathroom......*sigh* But this one problem is beyond my means.

  Who do you suggest I call? Michel, are you volunteering? (http://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/12.gif)
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 22 08 08:00
     
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 22 08 09:26
As Lil Me would say.....Why oh why............  (http://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/4.gif)

  Do you have a shingle roof Lise ?  If so....how old is it ?   Sometimes, even if it's not old,  wind can drive rain backwards up the slope...underneath any parts of the shingles where the tar may have broken the seal or have spaces.  A little can of tar may be all you need.
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 23 08 08:46
Uhm...... what are shingles? Ye gods.... really, I have no idea how a roof works. Where does one obtain tar to put on the roof?
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 23 08 08:50
oh dear Lise.....lol   These would be asphalt shingles....so, if this is the kind of roof you have....you stand a better chance of being able to fix it yourself.

  [img height=335 alt=Roofing src="http://www.huntconstructionutah.com/images/roofing/shingles/asphalt_large.jpg" width=449 border=1 name=largeimage oSrc="http://www.huntconstructionutah.com/images/roofing/shingles/asphalt_large.jpg"][A href="http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.huntconstructionutah.com/images/roofing/shingles/asphalt_large.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.huntconstructionutah.com/roofing_samples.php&usg=__ydf9FC5dDm8gFhdStSr8JghCJfE=&h=335&w=449&sz=71&hl=en&start=2&sig2=E4EmJ98OGWaXxf30fR6eew&um=1&tbnid=uyUdJnziRredVM:&tbnh=95&tbnw=127&ei=QYkpScWFD5fysAP3zumsAw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dasphalt%2Bshingles%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DGGLC,GGLC:1969-53,GGLC:en%26sa%3DN"][/A]
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: purelife on Nov 23 08 05:59
 I hope it's nothing serious Lise but I agree with P.C. that it's something that needs attention asap.


   
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 23 08 06:42
P.C. wrote:
oh dear Lise.....lol   These would be asphalt shingles....so, if this is the kind of roof you have....you stand a better chance of being able to fix it yourself.

  [img style="WIDTH: 124px; HEIGHT: 121px" height=335 alt=Roofing src="http://www.huntconstructionutah.com/images/roofing/shingles/asphalt_large.jpg" width=449 border=1 name=largeimage oSrc="http://www.huntconstructionutah.com/images/roofing/shingles/asphalt_large.jpg[/img]

  Wow!!! Those are some really nice ones! I like them but no, I don't have that type. It's more like this one. I told you, I sucked at home stuff. (http://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/12.gif)

  (http://i38.tinypic.com/2j1x2md.jpg)    [A href="http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.huntconstructionutah.com/images/roofing/shingles/asphalt_large.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.huntconstructionutah.com/roofing_samples.php&usg=__ydf9FC5dDm8gFhdStSr8JghCJfE=&h=335&w=449&sz=71&hl=en&start=2&sig2=E4EmJ98OGWaXxf30fR6eew&um=1&tbnid=uyUdJnziRredVM:&tbnh=95&tbnw=127&ei=QYkpScWFD5fysAP3zumsAw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dasphalt%2Bshingles%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DGGLC,GGLC:1969-53,GGLC:en%26sa%3DN"][/A]
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 23 08 07:46
Oh oh.  I think you should call someone Lise.  Terra cotta roof tiles are interlocking (I think)...so you really need to go into your attic and look for water stains on the sheathing to locate exactly where the water is coming in.  Like 49er said....where the stain is, isn't necessarily where the leak is.  With any luck, that's exactly where it is.  But knowing where the water is coming in, could equip you with a little 'insurance' against someone telling you the whole roof is no good.  So find out BEFORE you call someone.
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 23 08 08:09
Yeah... I figure it's a bigger problem. Maybe when we get a bit more $$ we can switch to having those lovely asphalt roof tops you were showing. It could make a big difference later on in life.

  Thanks for all the help and info, PC. Will keep everyone up-to-date on what's happening.
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 23 08 08:16
Hope it's a quick fix Lise.  We spent 10 K on a new roof.....which REALLY hurt.....lol.
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 23 08 08:17
   
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 23 08 08:24
Your roof is way superior than any roof made with asphalt tiles Lise. If you put asphalt tile on your roof, you will lower the value of your house and will have to change your tile many decades earlier.  

  I think it probably is as well Michel....although I've never understood how a porous material can be effective in a cold wet climate.  Their intended use is for warm arid places.  If they behave anything like terracotta pots, then I don't get how they can work here at all.  They hold the moisture, then as soon as there is a frost, the expansion upon freezing causes them to crack.  
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 23 08 08:28
   
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 23 08 08:34
I think their tiles are a different proportion of cement to clay.  Terracotta tiles are very expensive here....but they're one of those things that their cost isn't necessarily an indication of superior quality.  Shipping costs are super pricey because of their weight....so because we are the way we are....we think that their pricey tag means they are a quality product.  
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 23 08 09:02
     
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Russ on Nov 23 08 09:14
Hey all.

At least get someone to come look at your roof lise. You might be able to find someone to come look at it for nothing. Free estimates or whatever it is. It might be an easy fix.. it might not.

Michel is right, the tile roofs are better than teh shingle. The nice thing about your roof lise is that its usually easy to see a problem with it.. as long as its cleaned and maintained.

We had the old tar and gravel roof on ours.. and it was a problem cause it kept on cracking and leaking. We had a number of leaks in our roof. we crawled the damn attic so many blasted times. After the third repair.. we got roofers in and had them put on the aluminum roofing. Cost us 10k, but they came in and did everything in one day, new facia boards that were metal, and also new gutters. Its a 75 year roof with 50 year warranty.

How old is your house. Who did the roof? There might be a warranty on it. Or guarantee anyhow.

Good luck.. keep us informed! At least call around and see if some roofing companies will do estimates for fixing your roof.

It could be the sealing around your skylight.. I do remember something about alot of older generation skylights leaking.
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: 49er on Nov 23 08 11:21
.....it may simply be a leak in the flashing at skylight
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Russ on Nov 23 08 11:41
 49er wrote:
[div style="font-style: italic;"].....it may simply be a leak in the flashing at skylight[/div]
I agree.. I thought about it as I was writing that paragraph above you! lol.

I still think you should get someone to look at it to see if its simple fix. If its left unchecked, like others have said it will damage more.
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 24 08 08:34
     
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 27 08 04:00
Update: OMG. The worst is over.... turns out the leak was due to the sealant in the skylight so you guys were right. I thought the price would be far, far greater but it's not too bad. Right?

   [P class=EC_MsoNormal][FONT face=Arial size=3][SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"]Estimate re:  Roof repair work at above address[/SPAN][/FONT]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal][SPAN lang=EN-GB][SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"][/SPAN][/SPAN]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal][FONT face=Arial size=3][SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"]We are pleased to offer you the following quotation.[/SPAN][/FONT]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal][SPAN lang=EN-GB][/SPAN]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal][SPAN lang=EN-GB][/SPAN]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"][FONT face=Symbol size=3][SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol"][SPAN]·[FONT face="Times New Roman" size=1][SPAN style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"]        [/SPAN][/FONT][/SPAN][/SPAN][/FONT][SPAN lang=EN-GB]Remove organic debris from around B vent flashing and skylight.[/SPAN]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"][FONT face=Symbol size=3][SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol"][SPAN]·[FONT face="Times New Roman" size=1][SPAN style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"]        [/SPAN][/FONT][/SPAN][/SPAN][/FONT][SPAN lang=EN-GB]Remove tiles around skylight and B vent flashing.[/SPAN]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"][FONT face=Symbol size=3][SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol"][SPAN]·[FONT face="Times New Roman" size=1][SPAN style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"]        [/SPAN][/FONT][/SPAN][/SPAN][/FONT][SPAN lang=EN-GB]Clean, adjust and reseal flashings around B vent and skylight.[/SPAN]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"][FONT face=Symbol size=3][SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol"][SPAN]·[FONT face="Times New Roman" size=1][SPAN style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"]        [/SPAN][/FONT][/SPAN][/SPAN][/FONT][SPAN lang=EN-GB]Re install tiles.[/SPAN]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal][SPAN lang=EN-GB][/SPAN]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal][SPAN lang=EN-GB][/SPAN]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal][SPAN lang=EN-GB][/SPAN]

 [P class=EC_MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 2.5in"][FONT face=Arial size=3][SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"]Cost:  $ 907.03  plus GST[/SPAN][/FONT]

Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 27 08 04:16
   
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 27 08 05:31
Well.... how else can they get to the area? And yes, of course, it's pumping up the price but what else can I do?
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 27 08 05:45
     
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: 49er on Nov 27 08 08:44
I agree with Michel........removing the roof tiles will probably cause more damage.  Since tiles are rigid and they overlap, it is close to impossible to remove and reinstall the lower tiles without damaging the ones above.  The tiles are nailed at preformed holes at the top of each tile.

  I would have just clean out the flashing and apply a coat of roofing mastic around the flashing to seal and pay the roofer for two hours of his time.
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 27 08 09:06
Isn't the flashing installed underneath the tiles ???  That's how I would visualize it.(http://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/8.gif)
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: 49er on Nov 27 08 10:07
P.C. wrote:
Isn't the flashing installed underneath the tiles ???  That's how I would visualize it.(http://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/8.gif) [/DIV]
 Yes, so that portion under tiles shouldn't be leaking or have water on it......actually it's under the roofing felt also.

A layer of mastic over the exposed portion of the flashing should seal all the seams and the souces of the leak
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 27 08 10:18
I see.  I was thinking that if the seal is broken around the flashing....it doesn't necessarily mean it's broken on the exposed area.  It could be under the tiles.  No ?
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: 49er on Nov 27 08 10:26

 Even if the flashing seal is broken under the tile.....water should run off the last row of tile onto the exposed flashing.  If water is getting underneath the tile, Lise has another problem
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 27 08 10:38
I sure hope not.  But a repair under a grand is cheap compared to what could need repairs if not done asap.
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 28 08 06:02
P.C. wrote:
I sure hope not.  But a repair under a grand is cheap compared to what could need repairs if not done asap.[/DIV]
   That's the same thought I was having! (http://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/21.gif)  Well, no time now but I'm going to call the guy up and have him come over next week. Hopefully it won't be too wet for him.
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Nov 28 08 06:07
     
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Nov 28 08 07:09
 That's the same thought I was having! (http://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/Happy/21.gif)  Well, no time now but I'm going to call the guy up and have him come over next week. Hopefully it won't be too wet for him.



  Whoa !  I would consider getting another quote Lise.  When I said it's cheap compared to what it could be if you waited, doesn't mean I think that  $907 was necessarily a good price.  There's no way to know that unless you get another opinion or even two.  I sure wouldn't jump on the first quote if it was something for which I had no gage.  

49er and Michel are right.....it could be a really simple problem.....in which case $900 would be an expensive fix.  If climbing up there yourself is pointless, because you don't know what you're looking for....then at least call a couple more places for quotes.[/DIV]
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Van on Nov 28 08 08:11
Another note. If no leak is to be found, it could just be condensation build up in your attic? I seen this before. All you would need then is another vent, or whirly-bird vent and to dry the water up, and bleach the ceiling. That would cost a fraction of what they want to charge you. It is worth a look.
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Russ on Nov 28 08 08:37
I agree with Michel and 49er.. I would take a look at doing it myself with bulldog or tar sealant.

But that being said.. what happens if it continues to leak or something else leaks? In Lise's case.. shes the only handywoman there.
I would get a second quote lise, and NOT tell the next guy what was found, and see what he comes up with. Pricewise and problemwise.

See if either of them give a warranty on the fix and/ or guarantee on condition on the rest.

Good point Van.. Thinking back when we had the new metal roof done (new, ha! That was like 4-5 years ago now)
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 29 08 04:28
I know... I wanted a second quote too but hubby is adamant that this guy can and should fix the roof. He came from a solid background so there's no reason to doubt him. At any rate, the guy's coming sometime next week. I just want this stupid problem to get fixed. *sigh*
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Russ on Nov 29 08 05:29
 Lise wrote:
[div style="font-style: italic;"]I know... I wanted a second quote too but hubby is adamant that this guy can and should fix the roof. He came from a solid background so there's no reason to doubt him. At any rate, the guy's coming sometime next week. I just want this stupid problem to get fixed. *sigh*[/div]
What does this mean? I always get a second quote to see if he comes up with teh same as the first, if they are different I get a third.

In the end I might end up doing it myself.

LUCK! At least it will be over.

Is it coming with a guarantee on the fix?
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lise on Nov 29 08 11:08
Well.... my husband arrnaged for the whole thing and he claims the roofer came from a reputable background. At any rate, I just hand out the dole, he does the rest of the paperwork. I don't know if there's any gurantee.... I will, however, ask him before he starts work. There should be some guarantee that it won't leak again when the next heavy downpour begin.
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Dec 18 08 06:28
Skylight is leaking.  [img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/konfus/n010.gif" border=0]  Grrrrrrrrrr !  
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lil Me on Dec 18 08 08:42
Too much snow on the roof?
 We shovel the flat portions of the roof here, though it hasn't been necessary yet this year.
   
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Dec 18 08 08:58
I shoveled it once....but of course there was another dump and it is pretty deep up there.  It's just the roof over the lounge....which is fairly flat.  I think it might be ice expanding and making the seams heave ?  maybe ?  
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Dec 18 08 09:12
     
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: P.C. on Dec 18 08 09:16
Lil Me's right.  It's all about calk !   [img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/frech/p015.gif" border=0]
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Dec 18 08 09:27
     
 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Orik on Dec 19 08 12:40
Groans michel.... such atrocious use of the English language when u make jokes that bad... could you not at least make them in french. there by giving them some elegance perchance..

 
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Michel on Dec 19 08 05:57
     
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Lil Me on Dec 22 08 09:29
We need to bash up the ice in the roof drains here.
 
 
   
Title: Re: Water Marks on Ceiling
Post by: Russ on Dec 23 08 12:56
 Lil Me wrote:
We need to bash up the ice in the roof drains here.
 
 Im thinking about doing something similar LM.. and also next year looking into heater cable that goes into them that I can turn on to keep the ice that goes into them from freezing.. the one Im worried about, drains right onto my sidewalk that goes around the back of my house. I slipped agian tonight on it. I use an insane amount of salt on that sidewalk every year over the winter