Project Overview
The Marcus family contacted us from their home at 1847 Kingswood Drive in the East Lake Woodlands community of Palm Harbor. They had been dealing with a persistent valley leak for over 8 months that had damaged interior ceilings in two bedrooms. Two previous contractors had attempted repairs, charging $750 and $1,200 respectively, but the leak continued. The homeowners were frustrated, anxious about continued interior damage, and skeptical about hiring another roofing contractor.
During our initial phone consultation, Mrs. Marcus explained that water appeared in the northwest bedroom ceiling whenever it rained heavily. Previous contractors had “sealed the valley with roof cement” and “replaced some shingles near the leak,” but the problem persisted. She specifically asked if we could guarantee to find and fix the leak, as they were losing confidence in the roofing industry.
We scheduled an inspection and explained our methodical leak detection process. During the on-site inspection, we found not one but three separate issues contributing to the leak: (1) improper valley flashing installation with inadequate overlap, (2) failed step flashing where the valley terminated at a wall, and (3) a cracked pipe boot 6 feet from the valley that was creating a secondary water intrusion path. The previous contractors had applied roof cement over symptoms but never identified the root causes. We proposed a comprehensive valley repair addressing all three issues.
Scope of Work
Leak Detection & Diagnosis
- Thorough attic inspection with moisture meter readings
- Traced water stains from interior ceiling to roof entry point(s)
- Discovered multiple leak sources (valley, step flashing, pipe boot)
- Performed water testing to confirm leak pathways before repair
- Documented all findings with photos for homeowner review
Valley Repair (Primary Leak Source)
- Removed shingles on both sides of 18-foot north-south valley
- Removed failed aluminum valley flashing (seams improperly overlapped)
- Found water-damaged decking beneath valley (3 sheets OSB replacement required)
- Installed GAF WeatherWatch ice/water shield full valley length
- Installed new aluminum valley flashing with proper 6” seam overlaps
- Extended valley flashing 12” up under shingles on both sides (superior to original installation)
- Reinstalled shingles with proper valley cuts (3” from valley centerline per code)
Step Flashing Repair (Secondary Leak Source)
- Removed siding at valley/wall intersection to access step flashing
- Found corroded galvanized step flashing (original 1998 installation)
- Installed new aluminum step flashing woven with valley flashing
- Installed kick-out flashing at valley terminus (directs water away from wall)
- Sealed flashing/siding interface with polyurethane sealant
- Reinstalled siding with proper clearances
Pipe Boot Replacement (Tertiary Leak Source)
- Replaced cracked rubber pipe boot (UV deterioration)
- Installed premium OATEY boot with EPDM rubber (superior longevity)
- Sealed boot/shingle interface with roofing sealant
Decking Replacement
- Replaced 3 sheets water-damaged OSB beneath valley (rotted from prolonged leak)
- Treated replacement area with borate solution (mold/rot prevention)
- Verified solid substrate before installing new flashing
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1: Multiple Leak Sources
Problem: The Marcus home had not one but three separate roof penetrations contributing to the “valley leak.” Water from all three sources was traveling along rafters and converging at the northwest bedroom ceiling, creating the appearance of a single leak. Previous contractors addressed only the visible valley area and missed the step flashing failure and pipe boot crack. This multi-source complexity explained why previous repairs failed.
Solution: We spent 45 minutes in the attic with a moisture meter tracing water stains backward from the ceiling to roof entry points. We identified three distinct moisture paths: (1) main valley centerline, (2) valley/wall intersection, and (3) pipe penetration 6 feet east of valley. We explained to the homeowners that all three needed repair to stop the leak. We performed controlled water testing on each area to confirm our diagnosis before cutting into the roof. This methodical approach found the complete problem vs. previous contractors’ guesswork.
Challenge 2: Rebuilding Homeowner Trust
Problem: After two failed repair attempts and $1,950 wasted on ineffective repairs, the Marcus family was understandably skeptical. They questioned whether we would just apply more tar and charge another $1,000. Mrs. Marcus specifically asked “How do I know you’ll actually fix it this time?”
Solution: We provided complete transparency throughout the process. During the estimate, we showed them the moisture meter readings and explained exactly what we found. We provided a detailed written proposal listing all three leak sources and the specific repairs for each. We offered a leak-free guarantee: if the leak recurred in any of the repaired areas within 5 years, we’d return at no charge to make it right. We also invited them to be present during the water testing before and after repairs. This transparency and guarantee rebuilt their confidence. They later wrote in their review that our “honest communication made all the difference.”
Challenge 3: Hidden Decking Damage
Problem: The valley had been leaking for 8+ months before the Marcus family called us. During that time, water had been rotting the OSB decking beneath the valley. We discovered 3 sheets of badly deteriorated decking that required replacement, adding unexpected cost to the repair.
Solution: As soon as we discovered the decking damage, we called Mr. Marcus to the roof to show him the rot. We explained that the 8-month leak had caused this damage, and it was critical to replace the decking before installing new flashing or the repair would fail prematurely. We provided a written change order for $450 (materials + labor) and explained this was unavoidable damage from the prolonged leak. The homeowners appreciated seeing the damage firsthand and approved the additional work. We also pointed out that discovering this now prevented even more expensive structural damage later.
Challenge 4: Two-Day Timeline for Complete Repair
Problem: The homeowners wanted the leak fixed immediately (after 8 months of frustration), but comprehensive valley repair requires removing shingles, replacing decking, installing flashing, and reinstalling shingles - work that can’t be rushed without compromising quality. We needed 2 days for proper installation, but rain was forecasted for Day 3.
Solution: We scheduled the work for Monday-Tuesday with 0% rain forecast both days. We committed to weatherproofing the roof by end of Day 1 even if shingle installation wasn’t complete. We started early (7:00 AM) both days and worked efficiently. By Monday 5:00 PM, the valley had new underlayment and flashing installed and was fully weatherproof. Tuesday we completed shingle installation and performed final water testing. The roof was leak-free before the Wednesday rain, which provided real-world testing of our repair. The homeowners reported zero leaks.
Timeline
Day 1 (Monday) - Valley Demo & Flashing:
- 7:00 AM: 2-person crew arrived
- 7:30 AM: Removed shingles from both sides of 18-ft valley
- 8:45 AM: Removed failed valley flashing, exposed decking damage
- 9:00 AM: Called homeowner to roof to show decking rot
- 9:30 AM: Change order approved for decking replacement
- 10:00 AM: Removed 3 sheets damaged OSB decking
- 11:00 AM: Installed replacement OSB, treated with borate solution
- 12:00 PM: Lunch break
- 12:30 PM: Installed GAF WeatherWatch ice/water shield full valley length
- 2:00 PM: Installed new aluminum valley flashing with proper overlaps
- 3:00 PM: Removed siding at valley/wall intersection
- 3:30 PM: Installed step flashing and kick-out flashing
- 4:30 PM: Reinstalled siding, sealed interfaces
- 5:00 PM: Valley fully weatherproofed (though shingles not yet reinstalled)
- Roof protected overnight with ice/water shield and flashing
Day 2 (Tuesday) - Shingle Reinstallation & Testing:
- 7:00 AM: Crew arrived
- 7:30 AM: Began reinstalling shingles on west side of valley
- 9:00 AM: Installed shingles on east side of valley
- 10:30 AM: Replaced cracked pipe boot
- 11:00 AM: Completed all shingle installation
- 11:30 AM: Performed 30-minute water test with garden hoses
- 12:00 PM: Lunch break (during water test)
- 12:30 PM: Homeowners inspected attic during water test - zero moisture
- 1:00 PM: Final cleanup, magnetic nail sweep
- 1:30 PM: Homeowner walkthrough and warranty documentation
- 2:00 PM: Project complete
Week Following:
- Wednesday (Day 3): Heavy thunderstorm (1.8” rainfall)
- Thursday: Mrs. Marcus called to report ZERO leaks for first time in 8 months
- Friday: Follow-up attic inspection offered (homeowner declined, fully satisfied)
Results
Leak Resolution
The leak was completely eliminated. The Marcus family experienced multiple heavy rain events over the following weeks with zero water intrusion. Mrs. Marcus specifically called us after the first major storm (1.8” in 2 hours) to thank us and report that the bedroom ceiling remained completely dry for the first time in 8 months.
Homeowner Satisfaction
Mrs. Marcus (homeowner):
“We had a leak that two other contractors couldn’t fix. Rain Right took their time to properly diagnose the problem and found three separate issues in our valley system. The repair has been perfect through multiple heavy rainstorms. Their methodical approach and honest communication made all the difference. We only wish we’d called them first and saved $2,000 in failed repairs.”
Mr. Marcus added:
“What impressed me most was the thorough diagnosis. They actually traced the water path in our attic instead of just guessing like the other guys. They found problems the previous contractors completely missed. The water testing before we paid was brilliant - we actually saw proof the leak was fixed.”
Cost Comparison
- Rain Right comprehensive repair: $4,950
- Previous failed repairs (wasted): $1,950
- Total homeowner cost: $6,900 for permanent solution
- Alternative (unnecessary full roof replacement quoted by 3rd contractor): $16,000
- Net savings: $9,100 vs. unnecessary replacement
Warranty Coverage
- 5-year workmanship warranty on valley repair from Rain Right Roofing
- Manufacturer warranties on materials (flashing, underlayment, shingles)
- Leak-free guarantee - if leak recurs in repaired areas, we return at no charge
Interior Damage Resolution
The ceiling damage caused by the 8-month leak required drywall repair and paint. We provided detailed documentation of the leak (photos, timeline, previous contractor invoices) that the Marcus family submitted to their homeowners insurance. Their claim was approved for $1,850 in interior repairs, partially offsetting the roof repair cost.
Cost Breakdown
Total Investment: $4,950
Itemized:
-
Materials: $1,450
- GAF WeatherWatch ice/water shield (18 linear feet): $240
- Aluminum valley flashing (18 linear feet): $280
- Replacement shingles (24 shingles matching existing): $180
- Aluminum step flashing: $120
- Kick-out flashing: $75
- OATEY premium pipe boot: $45
- Roofing nails, sealant, misc: $160
- 3 sheets OSB decking: $150
- Borate treatment solution: $40
- Siding removal/reinstall materials: $160
-
Labor: $3,000
- 2-person crew × 2 days @ $750/day/person
- Includes diagnosis, repair, water testing
- Methodical leak detection expertise
-
Decking Replacement (Change Order): $450
- Labor for 3 sheets OSB removal/installation: $300
- Materials included in materials total above: $150
-
Insurance/Overhead: $200
- $2M general liability insurance allocation
- Equipment and tools
No Permits Required: Valley repairs under 100 sq ft don’t require Pinellas County permits per local code
Pricing Context: At $4,950, this comprehensive repair costs 3.5× what previous contractors charged for ineffective bandaid repairs ($750 and $1,200). However, it’s a permanent solution vs. temporary patches, and it’s 70% less expensive than the unnecessary $16,000 full roof replacement another contractor recommended.
Why proper leak repair costs more: Professional leak detection with moisture meters and water testing costs more than “eyeball and tar” approaches, but it’s the only way to find and fix complex multi-source leaks. Proper valley repair requires removing shingles, replacing flashing, and addressing root causes - not just slapping tar on symptoms.
Photos
Before (Attic): Water stains on rafters, moisture meter readings showing active leak Failed Valley Flashing: Improper seam overlap allowing water penetration Decking Damage: Rotted OSB beneath valley from 8-month leak New Installation: Proper valley flashing with ice/water shield and extended underlaps Water Testing: Garden hose simulation showing zero leakage after repair
Materials Used
- Ice/Water Shield: GAF WeatherWatch (18 linear feet in valley)
- Valley Flashing: Aluminum coil stock 0.019” thickness, 24” width
- Step Flashing: Aluminum step flashing (8 pieces)
- Kick-Out Flashing: Galvanized steel kick-out at valley terminus
- Shingles: 24 replacement shingles matching existing GAF Timberline HD Shakewood
- Pipe Boot: OATEY EPDM rubber pipe boot (premium grade)
- Sealant: Polyurethane roofing sealant (flashing interfaces)
- Decking: 7/16” OSB (3 sheets)
- Treatment: Borate solution for rot/mold prevention
Lessons Learned
What Went Well
- Methodical leak detection found all three leak sources vs. guessing
- Transparent communication rebuilt homeowner trust after bad experiences
- Two-day timeline completed repair before forecasted rain
- Water testing provided proof of repair effectiveness
- Discovered hidden decking damage before it became structural problem
Challenges Overcome
- Diagnosed complex multi-source leak using moisture meters and attic tracing
- Rebuilt skeptical homeowner’s confidence through transparency and guarantees
- Managed change order for hidden decking damage with clear communication
- Completed quality repair efficiently within tight weather window
Valley Leak Complexity
Valley leaks are among the most challenging roof leak issues:
Why Valleys Leak:
- High water volume concentration (water from two roof planes converges)
- Complex flashing details requiring proper installation
- Seam overlaps critical (water flows under improperly overlapped seams)
- Step flashing integration often done incorrectly
- Shingle cuts near valley require precision (too close = leaks)
Common Valley Leak Mistakes:
- Insufficient seam overlap (<6” overlap required)
- No ice/water shield under valley flashing
- Shingles cut too close to valley centerline
- Missing kick-out flashing at valley terminus
- Corroded galvanized flashing never replaced
Proper Valley Repair (Our Method):
- Remove shingles 12” on both sides of valley
- Install ice/water shield full valley length
- Install flashing with proper 6” seam overlaps
- Extend flashing 12” under shingles
- Cut shingles minimum 3” from valley center
- Install kick-out flashing where valley meets wall
- Test with water before finalizing repair
Why Previous Repairs Failed: The two previous contractors applied roof cement over the valley surface without removing shingles or addressing the underlying flashing failures. Roof cement is a temporary patch at best and doesn’t solve structural flashing problems. Within weeks, water found new pathways around the tar.
Service Area
We provide expert leak detection and repair throughout Pinellas County:
Emergency Leak Detection: Available 7 days/week for active leaks Leak-Free Guarantee: 5-year warranty on leak repairs Moisture Meter Diagnosis: Professional leak detection equipment for complex cases