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chiefsfan_gw

Ceiling leaked

chiefsfan
13 years ago

Ok, a few weeks ago we had a tremendous amount of rain about 6 inches in a day. Water dripped from the ceiling in our bedroom. I went downstairs to check the basement and it was wet under the vent pipe. The next day I went on the roof and found the rain collars pretty much deteriorated and replaced them. I also covered some exposed nail heads. Now another 2" fell yesterday and the ceiling was damp but not dripping. Basement was dry though. I thought that was the leak in the bedroom too but no luck.

I crawled into the attic and saw no stains or wet areas. I am frustrated where to look next. I am thinking of poking a screwdriver through the wet area and go from there.

Kelly

Comments (3)

  • randy427
    13 years ago

    Since the water frequently 'travels' from the point of entry to the place where it shows on the ceiling, poking a hole in the ceiling is not usually much help in finding the leak.
    If the rain collars are all new and properly installed, have you checked your flashing at the chimney and are your gutters properly attached and flowing freely? Does the roofing have a proper drip edge at the eaves and gable ends or is there an opportunity for 'run-back'?

  • chiefsfan
    Original Author
    13 years ago

    Thanks, I drilled a hole then inserted a coat hanger so I could see. That marked the general area of the leak it turns out. The wood had splintered and left a hole under the shingles. Impossible to see from topside. My roofer put a piece of wood though it to mark it.
    After putting metal flashing and replacing a shingle the hole is now fixed. Some insulation is wet, do I need to replace it or let it dry? I pulled it up and out of the way. It is way too hot to go back up in the attic.

  • randy427
    13 years ago

    If the leak is fixed, rolling back the insulation may permit it to dry, as long as you have proper ventilation in the attic, though it may take a while longer for the ceiling board.
    I'd take a wait-and-see tact, first making sure that it is just damp and there's not a wetter area, also.
    You may end up with a water stain on the ceiling that will have to be primed and painted, or further repaired if it is distorted.