Help with leaky roof..

mopower440 · Oct 8, 2007

Dont have a clue what to do. I have a double wide mobil home, bought it BRAND NEW in 2000. The roof is OSB with 30 year shingles on it. The ceilings are not flat, they run upward like the roof does.( not sure what you call that)
The ceilings are 1/4 inch sheetrock. I noticed in the spare bedroom a spot about 1 foot by 2 foot that was starting to sag so i reluctantly knocked a hole in it. Its all dry in there but we have not had much rain at all in 6 months, but i did see a small spot in the OSB right above the sag in the ceiling that looked like its had water on it so im assuming thats where the leak is, but the spot is not in a seam in the OSB, its right in the middle of it, no nail holes, seams or anything, so i dont know how water would just penetrate it and further more i dont see how its getting through the shingles, i got on the roof and it all looked just fine. I dont have the money to call a pro out here, and like i said, the home is only 7 years old and its got 30 year shingles and they look fine, what do i do? How do i find where the water is getting through on the outside of the house?

MrJimi · Oct 8, 2007

Your ceiling style is called Cathedral, and you must have some kind of warranty with your seven year old mobile home?
Did you really put a hole in your ceiling.
With inside moisture it could be just that with 1/4 drywall
Jim

Tig · Oct 8, 2007

What is the pitch of the roof? Any pics of the area? Is the sag near (or down hill from) a vent, skylight valley or any other roof feature?
I'm in the middle of redoing my roof so I'm feeling like an expert tonight. A tired, stiff and sore ex-pert.

randy41 · Oct 8, 2007

is there a water stain on the sheetock?

mopower440 · Oct 8, 2007

The warranty on the home was only for the first year. The pitch on the roof is 4/12 if i remember right. As far as a water stain on the sheetrock, i dont know, the insulation was laid on top of the sheetrock and it was stuck to the sheetrock on the part that i knocked out, so i couldnt really tell. I dont think that there are any vents or anything upwards from where this happened..

ToadHill · Oct 9, 2007

I had a problem with my roof as well. I raised the peek by 4 ft. and ran new rafters, and then put a metal roof on. This stopped the leaks and helped with snow load in the winter as well. With a dark brown roof and a higher peek, the snow slides off well.

Tig · Oct 9, 2007

4-12 pitch should shed any rain without a problem. I would imagine that snow and ice build up is not a problem where you live. If you look in the dark attic on a sunny day do you see any light from perhaps a errant nail hole or cracked vent seal? That's kind of a long shot but worth a try.
Once the water is under the shingles it could travel quite a distance as it finds it's way to the sheet rock. It will flow down the OSB till it finds a hole or seam then may trickle along the rafter, drip on to the insulation and puddle there until it finds a seam in the vapour barrier. Get on the roof and inspect the seals and flashings around anything that goes through the roof. Driving rain against the side of the building can also cause ocasional problems.
I hope these ideas help.

Soundguy · Oct 9, 2007

As others said.. once water gets in.. it can travel a distence thn drip.

I'd look at the ridge vent.. and crawl from the leaky area up.. and look for the slightest sign of damage..

When you find it.. for a cheap fix.. try to roof-tar it.. you can get it by the tube or tub.. and since you have little budget.. that will have to do.. ( and probably will.. unless you have a huge problem ).

Soundguy

Tig · Oct 9, 2007

Soundguy I think you are onto something. Since the home came in two parts there could very well have been a small shift when it settled. Even if it didn't settle the seam is the most likely suspect.

ByronBob · Oct 9, 2007

Tig said:
Soundguy I think you are onto something. Since the home came in two parts there could very well have been a small shift when it settled. Even if it didn't settle the seam is the most likely suspect.

I don't remember him saying he does have a ridge vent. Without a water stain on the rock it almost sounds like a moisture problem.

Does your dryer vent or kitchen vent go up into the roof attic?