Having problems with our sunroom...?

The previous owners didn't build it correctly, so it's not the best sunroom, however it works. The problem is that it is leaking. The roof on it is flat, It looks to be sealed well with cock (on the roof) but when it rains water must be getting in because between the panels it is damp & a green mold mildew is forming! Help! How do I fix this without calling a prof.! (don't have a lot $ and I am a big DIY!

Public Comments

1. The previous owner may not have used flashing where the new roof meets the original house. That would cause leaking at the seam. Flat roofs are always a BAD idea. If there is way you may consider lowering the outer edge of the roof.
2. Put a gabled roof with shingles on it
3. Flat roof, You need to take off the old gravel, check for leaks and patch them. You may want to consider adding a roll of adhesive tar paper. Also check that if this is an amature build to make sure the roof actually does slope slightly a falt roof isn't supposed to be completely flat. Also check the flashings (The metal) to see if the corners are joints are covered. so water can shed off well
4. rebuild it if u need somebody do it 4 you e-mail me at michaelsconstruction@yahoo.com
5. I have been out of the "loop" for a while, but there used to be thick, rubberized paints that would do the trick. If you can't find those, then any brush or roller applied "stop-leak" for flat roofs will do; I don't know how much that will change the look, as they are usually not available in many colors. As for your green spots on the inside, be sure to spray these down with a strong bleach and water mix, let it sit for a while, then power wash if possible, or just scrub well with more bleach. This is a fungus, bleach kills fungus. Also, leaks are strange, and travel far. The roof may only be leaking at the seam where it meets the house, and the water is traveling to the spots you see, in which case a good flashing job is what you need. You could also lack pitch, or run-off. That would be a big job!
6. There is a white vinyl coating you can get at HD or Loews. It is designed for sealing small holes and making a room more efficient by reflecting more light. Pressure wash the roof first. Next spray a bleach mixture on the roof to stop any mold. Let it dry then roll it on with a 2" or larger roller. For best results buy a container of brush-able caulk to go over areas that may have larger holes and also over the screws. You should be able to get on the roof if you use a piece of 1/2 plywood to support your weight. Just make sure you use a piece large enough to span the uprights. After the repair is complete spray the inside to kill the mold.
7. for now seeing you guys just got the place and are short on cash, go to Home Depot and get some aluminum flashing and a large can of tar...put the tar behind the flashing and slide it up behind the lower shingles, make sure there is tons of black tar on the bottom and behind the flashing, this way any water coming down the wall now goes away and not in the crack... second Home Depot has five gallon buckets with a white vinyl type paint that you just paint on the roof using rollers, when it dries it seals the roof and it is WHITE so it reflects the sun which makes the cooler... I have used this on my flat roof for my sun room and it works fantastic.. and use a spray bottle with some soap and bleach and wash down the moldy area...now that you have fixed the problem this area will be a nice place to sit for a long time.. it is all a very easy fix..really it is..the guys at Home Depot will tell you exactly how to do it all, and it should not cost to much right now..but int he future think about putting on a real roof with a nice pitch and use real shingles..( much more money ) good luck smile have fun.. good luck