When ever starting a project or repair it is good to begin with a plan. Proper prior planning helps to eliminate or reduce mistakes. Looking over a repaired newer roof not long ago the repair person here was operating with minimal strategy.
According to the sellers disclosure a solar light tube had leaked and been repaired. There were some minor water stains around the diffuser in the living room which had not been fixed. The areas that needed to be thoroughly checked would be the roof and attic.
The leaky solar tube was located on the roof and was found to have been "repaired" all right. Clear silicone caulk (the other duct tape) had been liberally applied around the upper portion of the tube. Silicone is some what better than roofing tar, but not by much.
Looking a few feet away up the roof on the peak what do I spy but more caulk...gobs and gobs more.
The thought process here may have been something along the lines of; since there is a leak and I am up here with this caulk gun better to be safe than sorry.
Look at the second photo. The caulk was put on so thick it began to run down the slope. Looks almost like a tongue. The ironic part; notice the bare tiny white nail head over to the right of blob.
Looking down the ridge, which is a vent, more goop on the seams and also over the vent opening. But wait it doesn't stop there, (the tube of caulk must not of run out) this industrious silicone sealer added more protection to shingle seams. Look at the nice neat job this guy did on the shingles.
No doubt that the leak has been temporarily stopped, but this is nothing more than a band aid and not an actual repair. Since this home was a condo and maintained by a private management company the homeowner was made aware of the need for future maintenance of the sealant.
This is classic example of no real plan to repair a problem, but a shotgun approach to solving an issue.
James Quarello
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC
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