Finding roof leaks – crawlspace access
How important is it to have access to all the crawlspaces? When it rains hard, I get water in my living room. I’m guessing that it’s coming from where the dormer wall joins the roof line, but since I can’t get into the crawl space below that and above the living room, I can’t tell for sure. Is it worth the bother to cut an access hatch into the wall in the 2nd floor closet to get to that space? I cut a 2″ hole through the plaster and found that I would also need to cut away the 3/4″ pine sheathing between the studs to do this. It seems like a good idea for inspection and isulation, but I’d keep the number of holes in my house down to a minumum.
Thanks,
Scott
Replies
The leak on the inside is only occasionally at the same location as the hole on the outside. I've seen water run a good distance on tarpaper before finding a route in. What is the roof and how old is it?
I've found roof leaks for people like you wouldn believe.....Fisr take a house up on your roof and start at the lowest point where you think the leak may be starting and run the hose for a good fifteen minutes or more....if it doesnt leak then move up wit the hose etc ec etc....It works but you need the time and patience.
BE well
NAmaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
I've attached a PICT that gives a crude 3 view drawing of the roof line. Water came in almost directly below the left wall of the small dormer. In the past, I have had it come in just below the right side of the small dormer. Probably depends on which wall the wind is driving the rain. The dormer has aluminium siding. The house was built in 1930, I've lived here since 1997, and the last roof I know of was in November of 1990, Gat Royal Sovereign Fiberglass shingles.
Thanks,
Scott
Very often, the leak is not in the roofing material, but in the flashing, siding, or dormer window sill. Since you can't get into the attic space, the hose and a helper method is your best bet. As mentioned above, start low and SLOWLY work your way up. More info about the type of roof would be helpful.
Good Luck.
gl
The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.