Back porch with a flat roof and sky lights leaks

Question

We have a screened in back porch with a flat roof that leaks. We have tried caulking it and that lasted until we had 5 days of heavy rain. We would like to replace it and maybe tie it into the main roof we but don't know how expensive that would be or, if maybe there are other options. Any ideas?

Jen · Answer

Just found severe mold in our bathroom skylight..not good! Tearing what we can out and losing the skylight....Going to re-drywall the ceiling and just get rid of it!

Jan Loehr · Answer

We have a builder built screen porch with two skylites ...enjoyed trouble free for 20 years, no leak problems at all...the roof is finished with the same tiles as the roof of our home....so I would suggest a few contractors professional opinions as to how to fix your problem so you never have to deal with it again...I would not make this a do it yourself fix.

Wanda McMurray · Answer

Buy roofing tar and tar the flat roof.

Phyllis · Answer

it may need a new seal; I would get rid of it and close roof in.

Jeanette S · Answer

Flat roofs are almost impossible to keep from leaking. But keep in mind that leaking can cause rot and a lot of damage much more expensive later on than re-roofing a porch! If you are handy, take off the top layer of the roof (the shingles and decking). Put in some good flashing and build in a slight pitch to your roof. Also, allow for an overhang around the sides and end. Get some experienced advice if you are doing this yourself or call a good roofing company.

Rebecca Ruge · Answer

Try Flex Seal, a spray on rubber like sealer...

Rebecca Ruge · Answer

No I haven't, but did pick up a can on clearance. Have to wait for Spring now to try it.... too cold here now! LOL! Google Flex Seal, check it out and maybe there is a money back guarantee. If you've found nothing else to work, it might be worth it to try this. There is an official Flex Seal site with three different types of the product, so check it out! Good luck to you!

Charles Prock · Answer

Replacing it and tying it in with the main roof is the only method that will assure it won't leak again...that and doing away with the skylights.....Having built over 700 homes I can assure you that there is not a skylight built that won't leak given enough time and the right circumstances.....Jeanette from Atlanta was correct in saying that rot is going to be a major player here if it's been leaking any length of time....As far as costs for replacing it, you are talking several thousands of dollars. Probably not what you wanted to hear but your home value warrants a correct fix.

Mar3393727 · Answer

Charles is right on. Hubby is a contractor for residential & commercial Flat roofs hold standing water, need to fix this as it's the best way to END the leaking.

LD · Answer

First, water leaks can come anywhere from 25 feet away, and will always go to the lowest point. A residential flat roof is designed to hold a certain amount of liquid, but it is also has a slight slope to it, in order for water to goto gutters and downspout. If you have been having consistent water leaks, you may have water rot, and mold issues. The best thing is to have several expert roofer/builder's come out and look at the current structure, and have them give you a detailed report for cost for repairing and for replacement. For if there is significant damage to the existing structure, it may be cheaper to replacing vs repairing.

Tom · Answer

You can try a roofing product from Home Depot called Silconizer. It's an elastomeric paint that is used to stop leaks. Costs about $26 a gallon and is applied with a roller.

Mar1416882 · Answer

Its is metal?

Mar1416882 · Answer

Or flashed with a Roof Sealant or Roof coating from Homedepot

Toolpro · Answer

My parents had an on going leak with sky lights for about 10 years. The roof pitch is about 5/12. FINALLY they called a roofer. the lights were Pella from 1989 and had plastic curbs that had cracked, nothing could solve the problem until the curbs were replaced and 8 sheets of roofing ply...... Please don't let this go. The problem will only get worse.

DJ · Answer

We are in the process of getting contractors to give us suggestions. Going to tie the roof into the regular roof.  Not sure yet if we can do it, waiting to see the suggestions of the contractors. Thanks

Cou456440 · Answer

You could use blueshield!

Liliana Wells · Answer

For contractors in your area see http://www.homeadvisor.com/. Put your zip code and project and you will have list of people in your area who can do the joh. Good luck.

Jennifer · Answer

I advise you to choose Butyl MS Caulk that is an ideal product for this purpose. It is a cost effective, durable and long-lasting product. It has high adhesive features and works very effectively on all kinds of roofing materials. It can be applied at low temperatures, has quicker dry time and a state-of-the-art hybrid polymer chemistry designed to withstand severe climate, weathering, and environmental conditions.

Back porch with a flat roof and sky lights leaks

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Back porch with a flat roof and sky lights leaks

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