Q: How do I identify the source of a water stain on the ceiling? I’m not sure if a leak is from the bathroom directly above or from something else. Also, once identified, how do I go about fixing the leak? – A.G. A: Finding the source of a leak in a ceiling often involves a bit of detective work. Like a detective, you start with the most likely suspect. If you can rule out … [Read more...] about What Caused Water Stains on Ceiling?
Roofing
Best Low-Slope Roofing Option
Q: What is the best option for replacing a low-slope roof over an addition? We have a low-slope shed roof that was repaired with roll roofing as an emergency patch in 2014. We had ice damage which forced the roof repair, but because it was in the winter, only the lower half of the 23×12' area was repaired. The top half of the addition roof has asphalt shingles where it … [Read more...] about Best Low-Slope Roofing Option
Best Roofing for the Pacific Northwest
Jean writes: I have a concrete tile roof and live in the Pacific Northwest where we have a lot of moss on our roofs. Over the years, the moss removal folk have broken many of my concrete tiles and we no longer can get replacements. The roof is 30 years old, and I am wondering if I should just remove it and get a composite or asphalt shingle roof. Would removing the extra … [Read more...] about Best Roofing for the Pacific Northwest
Metal vs. Plastic Roofing for Carport
Jill asks: What is the best roofing product to use on a carport and pergola? The carport roof covers both, which are part of the same structure. I am aware that there are plastic-coated steel sheets, polyester-coated, zinc, and polycarbonate sheets. It’s a minefield. There are lots of trees overhead, so everything goes green including the roof and patio. I was thinking of maybe … [Read more...] about Metal vs. Plastic Roofing for Carport
Buckling Asphalt Shingles
Lee Writes: Please tell me what caused the buckling shingles in this photo. It appears to me to be the materials rather than structural. This roof was installed in April 2013 in northern Texas. The shingles are Tamko 20-year 3-tab. There is visible warping three years following the installation, as seen in the attached images. The roofer has recently inspected in the … [Read more...] about Buckling Asphalt Shingles
Best Underlayment for Tile Roofs
Irene writes: Our house in Los Angeles is 25 years old. One roofer recommended removing the composite roofing tiles and replacing the old underlayment with 90-pound paper. Then they will replace the roofing tiles. Another roofer recommended the same approach, but with two layers of 30-pound felt as the underlayment. Please explain the differences between paper and felt and the … [Read more...] about Best Underlayment for Tile Roofs
Building a Leak-Proof Rooftop Deck
Martin writes: How do you properly build a concrete deck (with a roof) over a living area and prevent water leakage from rain and snow? What are the code requirements? The location is in Eastern PA. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: Thanks for your inquiry. Unfortunately, the building code does not offer a lot of guidance on the best building details for this … [Read more...] about Building a Leak-Proof Rooftop Deck