Patient: Residential roof system compromised by surface-level patchwork and moisture intrusion
Referred by: Homeowner noticing minor ceiling stains and shingle shifting after storms

🤕 Symptoms:

-Water intrusion around chimney area, with interior stains slowly developing
-Improperly caulked flashing — sealant smeared over copper, not mechanically fastened
-Shingles lifting at perimeter edges; spongy feel underfoot in spots
-On rear slope: failing roof boot, worn vent flashing, and an aging skylight letting in light and leaks
-No proper underlayment found beneath shingles during tear-off

🩺 Diagnosis:

This roof had been “repaired” before — but what we found was cosmetic work masking deep vulnerabilities. Caulk over copper isn’t craftsmanship — it’s desperation. Not only was the copper flashing failing from trapped moisture, but the roof had never been properly sealed beneath the surface. That’s like treating skin with tape instead of cleaning the wound.

Meanwhile, the skylight, vent, and boot were all showing signs of slow breakdown — the kind of failure that doesn’t scream but steadily rots the system from within. If you’re sleeping under a roof that doesn’t breathe right, your house starts holding humidity. And that means respiratory stress you don’t always feel right away — but it’s there.

🛠️ Treatment Plan:

-Fully removed old shingles and flashing at the chimney zone
-Cut away all caulk-heavy patches and stripped compromised copper
-Installed new custom-bent copper step flashing and counter flashing, seated correctly into mortar joints and layered with precision
-Added ice & water shield underlayment, building a true water-defense barrier
-Installed new shingles around chimney with correct overlap sequencing
-On rear slope: replaced the roof vent, roof boot, and skylight unit with modern, leak-tight versions
-Every penetration sealed with proper underlayment, not surface caulk

💡 Prognosis:

This roof system is now breathable, watertight, and visually clean — no patchwork, no guessing. The copper flashing doesn’t just look sharp — it moves with the house, sheds water properly, and will patina gracefully over time. With underlayment where it belongs and every penetration sealed with smart detailing, this roof is now in long-haul territory. It’s no longer a house with a “chimney leak”—it’s a home with a chimney that belongs.