flat roof/porch repair recommendations

[EJ]

Hello!

Hoping some of the collective knowledge of the Piggington followers might be able provide some recommendations for me. Our house sprung a leak during the heavy rains! We have a multi-level house with a flat porch over a living area. The patio started leaking into the bedroom below. The first step we need to take is to waterproof the roof/porch. Any recommendations for roofing or patio contractors are appreciated. The job is a roofing type of repair because it is exposed to the elements and needs to be waterproof. Several general contractors I have called would not consider it. Seems to be only folks that specialize in roofing and patio repair will consider the job. I am in OB, so someone close to the area is preferred, but all responses are appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!!
-EJ

[Hobie]

While it sounds obvious, you need to find exactly where the leak originated. Water will can migrate and start dripping far away from its source.

Curious that the leak started during a heavy rain. Look carefully around the existing drain(s). It is plugged or slow draining? Did rain splash up on a wall above the flashing and ingress there? Caulking/deck coating drying out, hardening, cracks? Could it be a clogged rain gutter above the deck allowing water to run down a wall making it appear that the deck is the leaking?

Check under the exterior door/glass slider. If it was raining hard and the deck was pooling, water may backup and get under the door threshold. Rain splashing could get under that threshold as well. Inspect the bottom of the door frame or around the slider track for leaks.

Can’t point you to a contractor, but someone with commercial flat roof experience is the ticket. Beware of anyone who says dumping a bucket of ‘special silicone sealant’ will fix it.

[gzz]

Send me a direct message if you’re still interested, I have a suggestion.

[EJ]

Thanks for the responses, we have WICR on contract. I’ll report back once completed.

@Hobie – The leak was due to waterproofing system delaminating from metal flashing at edges of porch. There are no drains to clog, the water drains off the side of the deck over the flashing and into gutters.

@gzz – if something goes wrong with WICR, I’ll send a DM to request your suggestion. thanks!

[Author]

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