Roof leak problem - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

Dusty Britches · 01-24-2023, 10:08 AM

We built our house 11 years ago and recently discovered a leak from a pipe jack through the roof.

We have a Mueller Metal roof that was installed by a sub contractor. Upon discovering the leak, we contacted the insurance company, got an adjuster out who said within minutes that the roof was not properly installed around the pipe jacks (see pics below). The photos were taken with my friend's drone. While we can caulk it, we have a bigger problem with the improper installation. (In case you need help seeing it - the roof should overlap the high side of the pipe jack.)

Fortunately, it was properly installed around the chimney. (last photo)

I noticed this almost right of the bat when it was built but I thought the contractor knew what he was doing and everything would be ok, but in the back of my mind I was worried the day was coming that we would find leaks. I have 5 pipe jacks that need to be addressed.

I'm not sure how to proceed with this or who to call. This is obviously not a job I want to even think about fixing myself. I'm looking for plausible solutions.

brokeno · 01-24-2023, 10:12 AM

Get you a bucket of black jack and fix it if the installer didn't give you a 10 or 20 year warranty.

RutnBuk · 01-24-2023, 10:12 AM

Can you get a piece of matching metal and overlap the top and tuck under the ridge cap? After lookin again that might only work with the one closest to the top

Bigfootwolff · 01-24-2023, 10:14 AM

That is not good, can you reach out to the sub contractor, assuming he is still in business, and ask him to correct it. If not, I would contact some roofing companies and and ask them to give you a quote on the cost to correct the issues.

Walker · 01-24-2023, 10:17 AM

If you have to fix it yourself don't use the black crap. Thru The Roof is 10 times as good a product.

ramrod · 01-24-2023, 10:26 AM

They need to use the correct type of roof flashings. Those flashing are for shingle roofs.

Light 1867 · 01-24-2023, 10:28 AM

There is a product called:

''Through The Roof"
It can be purchased at a hardware store. True Value or an Ace.

Its the best thing I have ever found for metal roof leaks.
It will seal holes up to about 1/4".
For larger holes or for "peace of mind", you can apply silver AC duct tape over the seams or holes and then brush it.

@ 11 years in on the existing attachment screws and substructure, you run the risk of doing more damage and creating additional issues trying to "redo it 'correctly' ".

westtexducks · 01-24-2023, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walker

If you have to fix it yourself don't use the black crap. Thru The Roof is 10 times as good a product.

This right here. Get "through the roof" get up there and slather it on.

Be VERY careful though those dusty old metal roofs will knock you off quick if not paying attention if it is a decent pitch. Use the screws to give you grip.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Through-the...ulk/1000262071

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

planomustang · 01-24-2023, 10:36 AM

Consider using a Dektite Flashing. It is designed to install on top of a metal roof, then seal up.

I have a spare 8" one, that I bought by mistake, if you think you can use it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Death from Above · 01-24-2023, 10:43 AM

I would say the adjuster is wrong. I have put on hundreds of metal roofs. The problem is the roof jack. But the one there will work.

Run a bead of NP1, place roof jack, then run in lap screws.

the chimney is different due to it being a different type of roof penetration.

After 11 years it is feasible that the caulk has dried out depending on what was used.

I would chalk this up as a typical owning the home maintenance issue

Quackerbox · 01-24-2023, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramrod

They need to use the correct type of roof flashings. Those flashing are for shingle roofs.

thats what Id say but Im not a roofer. Caulk and self tappers seem like a half *** hack job to me

Txhunter3000 · 01-24-2023, 10:56 AM

Have someone install the " correct " Dek-tite flashing. Disregard all the suggestions to recaulk or slather some miracle goop, nothing is going to stick to lead.
It doesn't look like they screwed the lead flashing down which should make the lead flashing easier to remove. Hopefully they used clear silicone under the lead and it won't show up too bad when you remove it.

TX_Kevin · 01-24-2023, 11:23 AM

I'd recommend getting with Chuy here on TBH and getting him to fix it. I trust him and he just cranked up his own roofing company.

Dusty Britches · 01-24-2023, 12:10 PM

I was thinking that, too, Kevin, but Cameron may be a bit out of his reach.

Perhaps I was not clear in my first post:

There is NO way I'm climbing on that roof for any reason at any time to do anything!

The pitch is a 12.

Stuck · 01-24-2023, 01:53 PM

Did the adjuster deny your claim or just let you know the roof jack was not installed correctly?

Dusty Britches · 01-24-2023, 02:05 PM

The latter.

In fact the insurance company already cut my payment.

GA Bowhunter · 01-24-2023, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusty Britches

There is NO way I'm climbing on that roof for any reason at any time to do anything!

The pitch is a 12.

I don't blame you. I am finishing up my screened porch and it's a 12/12. Hopefully the last metal roof I ever do.

Mountaineer · 01-24-2023, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Txhunter3000

Have someone install the " correct " Dek-tite flashing. Disregard all the suggestions to recaulk or slather some miracle goop, nothing is going to stick to lead.
It doesn't look like they screwed the lead flashing down which should make the lead flashing easier to remove. Hopefully they used clear silicone under the lead and it won't show up too bad when you remove it.

This.

Here is how you will want someone to do it:

Keg · 01-24-2023, 05:21 PM

I have a metal roof exactly like yours and the same color…. Our contractor ran any vents out the side of the house about 2 ft under the eaves… Our roof is completely smooth or no vents that is…

Death from Above · 01-24-2023, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

This.

Here is how you will want someone to do it:
How to Install Rubber Vent Pipe Boot on Metal Roof Super Easy - YouTube

Thats it!

I would have a roofer do every roof penetration just like this before they got down

TX_Kevin · 01-24-2023, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusty Britches

I was thinking that, too, Kevin, but Cameron may be a bit out of his reach.

Perhaps I was not clear in my first post:

There is NO way I'm climbing on that roof for any reason at any time to do anything!

The pitch is a 12.

I bet Chuy will surprise you!

Dusty Britches · 01-25-2023, 09:20 AM

Thank you everyone who recommended DekTite flashing. That is the way to go and perhaps that was not available 11 years ago when it was built. Mountaineer - I watched that video and honestly I was blown away by his Cougar Paws. Enough so that I'm going to go to a local dealer and take a look at them. If they work well, I might get the courage to climb up there myself! With a safety rope of course.

Slew · 01-25-2023, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusty Britches

Thank you everyone who recommended DekTite flashing. That is the way to go and perhaps that was not available 11 years ago when it was built. Mountaineer - I watched that video and honestly I was blown away by his Cougar Paws. Enough so that I'm going to go to a local dealer and take a look at them. If they work well, I might get the courage to climb up there myself! With a safety rope of course.

Cougar Paws won't help on a 12/12 metal roof! Make dang sure it's dry!

Dusty Britches · 01-25-2023, 01:17 PM

Thanks, Slew. I needed a knock of common sense.

Mountaineer · 01-25-2023, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusty Britches

Thank you everyone who recommended DekTite flashing. That is the way to go and perhaps that was not available 11 years ago when it was built. Mountaineer - I watched that video and honestly I was blown away by his Cougar Paws. Enough so that I'm going to go to a local dealer and take a look at them. If they work well, I might get the courage to climb up there myself! With a safety rope of course.

Don’t even think about it. The roof in that video is not very steep. Hire a pro to do it on a 12/12. Steeper metal roofs are slick when wet and slick when dry with dust on them.

I’m on steep shingled roofs almost every day and I still don’t like getting on low sloped metal.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dusty Britches · 01-25-2023, 04:07 PM

Ok.

I'll ask my Mueller contractor if he can switch these all out to the DekTite

waffles · 01-25-2023, 06:48 PM

Tracey, I highly recommend Done Right Roofing, they are local out of Milano, you can see alot of there work on reviews on Facebook. They are awesome people and big supporters of the youth of Milam county

https://donerightroofing.net/

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Dusty Britches · 01-26-2023, 12:47 PM

Thanks, my husband likes Jay McDonald JMD Roofing out of CS. He's a certified Mueller installer and he's worked on our roof in the past. He has already looked at the photos and said, "Piece of cake!" and sent me an estimate. He will be out next week to replace all of them.

01-24-2023, 10:08 AM	#1
Dusty Britches Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cameron & College Station	Roof leak problem We built our house 11 years ago and recently discovered a leak from a pipe jack through the roof. We have a Mueller Metal roof that was installed by a sub contractor. Upon discovering the leak, we contacted the insurance company, got an adjuster out who said within minutes that the roof was not properly installed around the pipe jacks (see pics below). The photos were taken with my friend's drone. While we can caulk it, we have a bigger problem with the improper installation. (In case you need help seeing it - the roof should overlap the high side of the pipe jack.) Fortunately, it was properly installed around the chimney. (last photo) I noticed this almost right of the bat when it was built but I thought the contractor knew what he was doing and everything would be ok, but in the back of my mind I was worried the day was coming that we would find leaks. I have 5 pipe jacks that need to be addressed. I'm not sure how to proceed with this or who to call. This is obviously not a job I want to even think about fixing myself. I'm looking for plausible solutions. Attached Images

01-24-2023, 10:28 AM	#7
Light 1867 Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Jan 2023	There is a product called: ''Through The Roof" It can be purchased at a hardware store. True Value or an Ace. Its the best thing I have ever found for metal roof leaks. It will seal holes up to about 1/4". For larger holes or for "peace of mind", you can apply silver AC duct tape over the seams or holes and then brush it. @ 11 years in on the existing attachment screws and substructure, you run the risk of doing more damage and creating additional issues trying to "redo it 'correctly' ". Last edited by Light 1867; 01-24-2023 at 10:31 AM.

01-25-2023, 06:48 PM	#27
waffles Eight Point Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Rockdale/Cameron Hunt In: Milam County	Tracey, I highly recommend Done Right Roofing, they are local out of Milano, you can see alot of there work on reviews on Facebook. They are awesome people and big supporters of the youth of Milam county https://donerightroofing.net/ Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk Last edited by waffles; 01-25-2023 at 06:50 PM.

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01-24-2023, 10:12 AM	#2
brokeno Pope & Young Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Smiley, Texas Hunt In: Gonzales & Young Co and anywhere	Get you a bucket of black jack and fix it if the installer didn't give you a 10 or 20 year warranty.

01-24-2023, 10:12 AM	#3
RutnBuk Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Early, Tx Hunt In: Mills/Brown county	Can you get a piece of matching metal and overlap the top and tuck under the ridge cap? After lookin again that might only work with the one closest to the top

01-24-2023, 10:14 AM	#4
Bigfootwolff Ten Point Join Date: May 2010 Location: Katy,Texas Hunt In: Anderson County, Colorado County	That is not good, can you reach out to the sub contractor, assuming he is still in business, and ask him to correct it. If not, I would contact some roofing companies and and ask them to give you a quote on the cost to correct the issues.

01-24-2023, 10:17 AM	#5
Walker Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Antonio	If you have to fix it yourself don't use the black crap. Thru The Roof is 10 times as good a product.

01-24-2023, 10:26 AM	#6
ramrod Eight Point Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Bastrop, Tx.	They need to use the correct type of roof flashings. Those flashing are for shingle roofs.

01-24-2023, 10:36 AM	#9
planomustang Ten Point Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Plano Hunt In: Wise/Montague County Line	Consider using a Dektite Flashing. It is designed to install on top of a metal roof, then seal up. I have a spare 8" one, that I bought by mistake, if you think you can use it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

01-24-2023, 10:43 AM	#10
Death from Above Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Henderson, Texas	I would say the adjuster is wrong. I have put on hundreds of metal roofs. The problem is the roof jack. But the one there will work. Run a bead of NP1, place roof jack, then run in lap screws. the chimney is different due to it being a different type of roof penetration. After 11 years it is feasible that the caulk has dried out depending on what was used. I would chalk this up as a typical owning the home maintenance issue

01-24-2023, 10:56 AM	#12
Txhunter3000 Ten Point Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Round Rock Hunt In: Rockdale/Caldwell	Have someone install the " correct " Dek-tite flashing. Disregard all the suggestions to recaulk or slather some miracle goop, nothing is going to stick to lead. It doesn't look like they screwed the lead flashing down which should make the lead flashing easier to remove. Hopefully they used clear silicone under the lead and it won't show up too bad when you remove it.

01-24-2023, 11:23 AM	#13
TX_Kevin Pope & Young Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Kingwood, TX Hunt In: Gillespie County	I'd recommend getting with Chuy here on TBH and getting him to fix it. I trust him and he just cranked up his own roofing company.

01-24-2023, 12:10 PM	#14
Dusty Britches Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cameron & College Station	I was thinking that, too, Kevin, but Cameron may be a bit out of his reach. Perhaps I was not clear in my first post: There is NO way I'm climbing on that roof for any reason at any time to do anything! The pitch is a 12.

01-24-2023, 01:53 PM	#15
Stuck Pope & Young Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Katy	Did the adjuster deny your claim or just let you know the roof jack was not installed correctly?

01-24-2023, 02:05 PM	#16
Dusty Britches Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cameron & College Station	The latter. In fact the insurance company already cut my payment.

01-24-2023, 05:21 PM	#19
Keg Pope & Young Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Freestone county Hunt In: Freestone county	I have a metal roof exactly like yours and the same color…. Our contractor ran any vents out the side of the house about 2 ft under the eaves… Our roof is completely smooth or no vents that is…

01-25-2023, 09:20 AM	#22
Dusty Britches Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cameron & College Station	Thank you everyone who recommended DekTite flashing. That is the way to go and perhaps that was not available 11 years ago when it was built. Mountaineer - I watched that video and honestly I was blown away by his Cougar Paws. Enough so that I'm going to go to a local dealer and take a look at them. If they work well, I might get the courage to climb up there myself! With a safety rope of course.

01-25-2023, 01:17 PM	#24
Dusty Britches Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cameron & College Station	Thanks, Slew. I needed a knock of common sense.

01-25-2023, 04:07 PM	#26
Dusty Britches Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cameron & College Station	Ok. I'll ask my Mueller contractor if he can switch these all out to the DekTite

01-26-2023, 12:47 PM	#28
Dusty Britches Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cameron & College Station	Thanks, my husband likes Jay McDonald JMD Roofing out of CS. He's a certified Mueller installer and he's worked on our roof in the past. He has already looked at the photos and said, "Piece of cake!" and sent me an estimate. He will be out next week to replace all of them.