Composition Roof, Roof damage from improper installation, need advice

That’s a good catch on the insulation - people forget about that part all the time. I’ve seen water wick along rafters and show up in the weirdest spots. Did you notice any mold, or was it just damp? Sometimes it’s hard to tell how far the damage goes until you start pulling things apart.

I’ve seen water wick along rafters and show up in the weirdest spots. Did you notice any mold, or was it just damp? Sometimes it’s hard to tell how far the damage goes until you start pulling things apart.

That’s spot on about water traveling - capillary action can really surprise you. I’ve been on a few jobs where the leak looked like it was coming from one spot, but after tracing it back, the actual entry point was several feet away. As for mold, it’s tricky. Sometimes you’ll just see a bit of discoloration or a musty smell before anything obvious shows up. I’ve found that even if it’s just damp, you can’t really rule out hidden mold until you get into the insulation or behind the drywall.

If you’re not seeing visible mold yet, that’s a good sign, but I’d still keep an eye out for any soft spots or staining as you go. It’s always a bit of a gamble until you start opening things up, but catching it early definitely helps. Good call on checking the insulation - people overlook that all the time, and it can really make a difference in how far the damage spreads.

I get the concern about hidden mold, but honestly, I’m not convinced ripping out drywall right away is always worth it - especially if you’re on a tight budget. Wouldn’t it make sense to monitor for a bit and see if the dampness returns before tearing into walls? I’ve had leaks dry up and never had mold show up after. Sometimes it’s just not as bad as it looks.

Had a client with a similar situation - small leak, damp drywall, but no musty smell or visible mold. We waited a couple weeks after fixing the flashing, and the area dried out fine. Sometimes, if you catch the leak early and there’s good airflow, you can avoid major demo. But if the dampness lingers or you get that telltale odor, then it’s usually time to look deeper. Depends a lot on how long the water was sitting, honestly.

I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen hidden mold pop up even when there’s no smell or visible signs. Drywall can trap moisture behind it, especially if insulation’s involved. I usually recommend at least pulling a small section to check - just to be safe. Sometimes what you can’t see is the real problem.