Want to fix roof leak myself to avoid insurance claim
#1
09-09-14, 07:00 PM
Want to fix roof leak myself to avoid insurance claim
I have a leak where the sewer vent pipe goes through the roof in the attic. When searching for the origin of the leak, do I start by removing some Spanish tiles around the 'smokestack' on the roof? What are the materials used to protect the roof from the elements? And how would I do this repair?
There is a small amount of water stain on the ceiling in the house. I guess I have to replace the entire drywall panel?
What is wrong with the insert image feature? I could do it in the past? I've tried everything and can't get the images to post
There is a small amount of water stain on the ceiling in the house. I guess I have to replace the entire drywall panel?
What is wrong with the insert image feature? I could do it in the past? I've tried everything and can't get the images to post
Last edited by bluesbreaker; 09-09-14 at 07:27 PM.
#2
09-09-14, 07:16 PM
Group Moderator
No, you definitely DON'T remove tiles! First thing to do is look. Generally if there is a problem with a vent pipe boot flashing you can see it. I would guess that yours might be lead. If so, you would find a repairman to solder the lead, if it has developed a crack or a break in the lead. Fixing the link to your pictures will be a big help. Otherwise we are just guessing what you have.
#3
09-09-14, 07:35 PM
When I looked at the base of the pipe against the flashing, I thought I could see a couple hairline cracks at the bottom. More rain was forecast so I sprayed this black roof repair stuff on it. It looks sort of like undercoating, tar, or apshalt. If this was a mistake, I can use some type of solvent to remove it.
I don't what the problem is with the insert feature. But I manually copied the correct link below. All you have to do is click on the link
http://s434.photobucket.com/user/paisano184/profile/
I don't what the problem is with the insert feature. But I manually copied the correct link below. All you have to do is click on the link
http://s434.photobucket.com/user/paisano184/profile/
#4
09-10-14, 03:56 AM
There is a small amount of water stain on the ceiling in the house. I guess I have to replace the entire drywall panel
#5
09-10-14, 05:52 AM
Group Moderator
A product like Geocel Watershield brushable sealant would be a better product to use if it's just some minor cracking. They also make a pourable... Geocel 3300 I believe, but its not as easy to find.
#7
09-10-14, 02:27 PM
Group Moderator
The pourable/brushable sealant is Geocel 2310. Its a bit runnier than the Geocel Watershield, which is why I referred to it as "pourable". But pouring it could make a real mess on your roof, so if you use it, be careful with it.
#8
09-10-14, 06:26 PM
The only corresponding water stain in the house is an 18" long narrow strip about as wide as a yardstick on the ceiling. And it is solid when I press on it. But as you can see in the photo, the attic side stain on the drywall is considerably larger. So I could still get by with just painting over the ceiling water stain?
What about that liquid asphalt undercoating I applied to the base of the 'smokestack' on the roof? Should I try to remove that so the repair can be soldered or coated with the sealant XSleeper recommended? I was thinking that rubbing off the black stuff might make the crack worse......assuming that it is cracked for sure. When I was on the roof it appeared to be cracked in two places
What about that liquid asphalt undercoating I applied to the base of the 'smokestack' on the roof? Should I try to remove that so the repair can be soldered or coated with the sealant XSleeper recommended? I was thinking that rubbing off the black stuff might make the crack worse......assuming that it is cracked for sure. When I was on the roof it appeared to be cracked in two places
#9
09-11-14, 04:05 AM
As long as the drywall is solid there shouldn't be any issues with priming and painting it. If it's just a stain, it's just cosmetic - it's only when the drywall is soft/mushy or warped that it needs replacing.
#10
09-11-14, 08:49 PM
ok, thanks. Should I just leave the black stuff I prematurely applied to the vent pipe boot flashing?
#11
09-11-14, 08:54 PM
Group Moderator
As long as it's cured I'm sure it will be fine. Going over it with another coat of something will make it 2x as good. 
And the Geocel is 10x better than that aerosol.
And the Geocel is 10x better than that aerosol.
#13
09-14-14, 04:05 PM
UPDATE............I tested for roof leaks 3 or 4 times today. I sprayed the roof with garden hose for a long time. Then I poured some water down the sewer vent pipe on roof. I darted into attic to observe.
It immediately leaked water at the elbow where sewer PVC vent pipe makes a 90 degree turn straight up through the roof. When I wiped water off elbow , I even watched it seep through again at elbow. I did not see any evidence of water leaking from roof or at section of vent pipe above elbow. This elbow is shown in one of the photos included in the link
How to I replace this elbow? What materials and tools do I need? Should I post this under plumbing?
It immediately leaked water at the elbow where sewer PVC vent pipe makes a 90 degree turn straight up through the roof. When I wiped water off elbow , I even watched it seep through again at elbow. I did not see any evidence of water leaking from roof or at section of vent pipe above elbow. This elbow is shown in one of the photos included in the link
How to I replace this elbow? What materials and tools do I need? Should I post this under plumbing?
#14
09-14-14, 04:22 PM
Group Moderator
It looks like pvc, so assuming the elbow is cracked or the joint has failed... cut the elbow out and replace it with a new one. There are several types of elbows. if you get a sweep 90, i bet you could replace the elbow with that.. provided there is enough play in the lines to assemble it.
#16
09-15-14, 04:28 PM
Rain is forecasted again tomorrow. I guess I'll rubber band a ziplock freezer bag with some type of vent tube, over the vent pipe opening on the roof to keep out rain.
