My kitchen started to show signs (minor bubbling/warping) of a leak approximately a year and a half ago (December 2013). During some freezing rain in early 2014 we started getting actual running water into kitchen. We knew we were well past due to call someone and called Deluca.
During the visit with Doug L. he informed us of our options about repairs and new roof, but until the spring when the roof could be properly looked at and assessed not to make any firm decisions.
The spring came, called Deluca to come out for the repair and possible replacement. Doug was back out, suggested a repair because the rest of the roof was in okay shape. He removed a large portion of shingles and some ply wood to view the damage from the attic space as well (whichever way the house was built there is no access to this area of the attic directly and inadequate space to move from one space to the next once in the attic). Not seeing the issue and after repairing the newly made hole, an issue was found against the house in the step flashing which was directing water against exposed brick and into the house. Previous owners of the house had the roof replaced and therefore we do not know who did this work. Doug repaired the step flashing, replaced the shingles and even walked around the roof and repaired some damaged and missing shingles (even though I could have done that myself).
Forward to December 2014, another ice storm has brought water into the kitchen again, in the same spot. It became obvious that the first repair was not the issue. Called Doug out again and again he suggested to wait until the spring when the roof was more accessible and less dangerous.
In the meantime a third storm brought water into the kitchen so I opened up two holes in the kitchen ceiling to track the water back. Turns out the leak was near the peak of the roof. This spring I had Doug back out to look at the water damage from the inside. Shingles were removed and ply wood was replaced. Eves trough was cut back it was part of the problem (bottom of the eves from the top roof was touching the lower roof (split level home) creating a small dam). This second repair was no charge as the leak was not fixed after the first repair.
The kitchen has been dry through two good rainstorms since the fix. Looking forward to fixing the holes in the kitchen. Thank you Doug L for all the time spent on my roof over the last year and a half. Excellent service all around.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $150.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
- Open up the ceiling and trace the water back no matter how far. It's really the only way to trace the problem back to the source because water will travel to the lowest point. It's an added cost in fixing the leak unless you can see the source of the problem, you can never be 100% sure you fixed your problem. You don't need mold and other issues from water damage...fix it right the first time even if it's a few hundred more. Better than fixing it twice or more.