I hear what you're saying about buildings moving and all that, but sometimes it really does come down to someone cutting corners. I’ve had a “pro” crew skip the primer on a flashing once, and sure enough, that was the leak spot after the first winter. Maintenance matters, but so does making sure folks actually follow the steps instead of just slapping stuff together and hoping for the best.
I get the frustration with shoddy work, but I’ve found it’s not always just about someone skipping a step. I’ve been chasing a leak in my own place for two years, and even after redoing the flashing and making sure every layer was done by the book (primer, sealant, you name it), water still found a way in. Sometimes, it’s tiny shifts in the building or weird wind-driven rain that sneaks water up and under things you’d never expect.
What’s helped me is taking a methodical approach: first, I look for stains or soft spots inside, then I trace back outside, checking every seam and joint—even the ones that “shouldn’t” be a problem. I’ve learned to check above windows and in odd corners, not just the obvious roof spots. Sometimes, the source is way farther uphill than you’d think.
I’m not saying workmanship doesn’t matter (it absolutely does), but even with solid work, water has a way of finding the smallest gap. It’s a combo of good installation, regular checks, and a bit of detective work every time it rains.
That detective work you mentioned is spot on. I’ve seen leaks show up in the weirdest places—once, water traveled along a ceiling joist and dripped out halfway across the room from the actual entry point. It’s not always about bad work, like you said. Sometimes it’s just the way water behaves, especially with older homes that shift over time. Sounds like you’re doing everything right by checking all the odd spots and not just the obvious ones. Hang in there... sometimes it takes a few storms to finally catch the culprit.
You nailed it—water’s sneaky, and it’ll follow the path of least resistance every time. I’ve seen leaks that started at a chimney flashing but showed up in a closet on the other side of the house. Sometimes you just have to wait for the right conditions to see where it’s really coming from. Thermal cameras can help, but even then, it’s not always obvious. Old houses especially... they love to keep you guessing.
Sometimes you just have to wait for the right conditions to see where it’s really coming from.
That’s so true, especially with older homes. I’m curious—has anyone tried tracing leaks during heavy wind-driven rain versus a slow, steady drizzle? I’ve noticed green roofs (the kind with vegetation) can sometimes mask where water’s getting in, since the soil layer slows things down. Wondering if anyone’s found a good way to pinpoint leaks with those, or if it’s just as much of a guessing game as with traditional roofs.