I have a house constructed out of concrete blocks with a 16/12 pitch steel roof. It has chimneys at either end of the roof. Unfortunately on windy rainy days water somehow gets into the house around the chimneys. The roof was well installed by competent craftsmen who say that my problem must be sponge like water absorption by the concrete blocks or the mortar. The water then flows down inside the blocks, finds a crack and leaks out into the house. In response I have sealed the concrete blocks with a number of sealing products–some of them quite expensive–to no apparent effect.
I was told by an engineer who works with concrete that my problem may be the caulking. He said that most sealers do not bind properly to concrete and that only a product called Dymonic (I live in Canada) should be used. He said that silicone sealers typically fall away from the concrete allowing water to be drawn into the house by capillary action.
Any thoughts?
Bother Randor
Replies
Bump-
and I'm tempted to take a long hard look at the chimney flashing as your cause. I don't know about that sealant not working at all thing. If you've bought high quality sealant, it should do it's job. Have you tried pool coat epoxy? you mix the two parts, brush it on, and it's a little glossy when it cures, but it keeps the water out just fine.
zak
Thanks. I will investigate it.BR