Finding possible roof leak

[student]

My el cheapo condo is having possible roof issues again. I live in a second floor unit in a 2-story building.

1) No issue when not raining.
2) I did not hear anything while it rains. (It could be the case that the noise from the rain drown out the noise from the leak.)
3) I hear water hitting metal hours after raining.
4) The noise is loudest near utility closet.
5) I can hear the noise even in a different room.

My guess is that water drips on the duct work and the noise propagates and magnifies via the duct work. But the utility closet is 20 feet away from the other room. So I am unsure whether my guess is correct. The past few rain sessions were heavy and windy, I am wondering whether water came through chimney of dryer/HVAC. But I have never observed this in the past 20 years. So I am not sure whether this is a possibility.

I have reported the issue to the management company two weeks ago and so far no response. Based on past experience, probably no action will be taken until I take more drastic actions.

The other day I saw someone inspecting all the roofs in the complex. I talked to him while he was on my roof and he said he see nothing obvious in the chimney area. (He was there for routine inspection.)

Any idea what could be the source of the issue?

Thanks.

[Mike Scott]

If you can get inside the attic, look for water stains and back track them as far as you can.

[snackdog]

You have a few choices:

1) complain to the HOA board to have a better roofer come out and find the leak. They may not be willing to do that based on a sound.

2) Get your own roofer to come out for inspection. Many will do for free but some may require payment for leak detection.

3) Start work inside your condo to find the leak by cutting a hole, if needed, near the sound.

4) Wait until the water finds its way into your unit, then complain to the HOA board to get it fixed and make sure they fix the damage in your unit.

Slow leaks can go on for many years before appearing inside. In the meantime, they damage wood and attract wood-destroying insects.

[illumination]

Might not be related since its not related to rain, but make sure the HVAC condensation line is not plugged up. When you said you could hear water dripping on the ductwork, it's what came to mind.

[mnsportsgeek]

It could be something as simple as water dripping down your downspout?

It could also be something as complicated as a window leak that runs down a beam and is dripping 30 feet away from the source of the leak.

Without some actual damage evidence it's going to be tough to pinpoint. You're probably looking at cutting a hole or 3 in drywall for some peace of mind.

[student]

Thanks for the responses. I found some water marks in the utility closet but I have no idea whether they are new.

[twh]

As said before, you gotta get up in the attic. Look around for water marks and especially at the underside of the roof for water marks.

[lthenderson]

I wouldn't automatically assume a roof leak.

1.Water dripping down our downspouts has caught my attention more than once. Also leaky gutter joints dripping onto something metal near the house like an outside condenser unit or metal deck flashing.

2. Is your ducting in the attic and how insulated is it? I ask because given that the drip happens during a time of high humidity and when you are probably using your air conditioning system, it could be just water condensing somewhere and dripping onto your duct work.

[LotsaGray]

Might not be related since its not related to rain, but make sure the HVAC condensation line is not plugged up. When you said you could hear water dripping on the ductwork, it's what came to mind.

OP def indicated it is rain related.

[student]

As said before, you gotta get up in the attic. Look around for water marks and especially at the underside of the roof for water marks.

When the management contacts me, I will suggest this. (I am too clumsy.)

[student]

I wouldn't automatically assume a roof leak.

1.Water dripping down our downspouts has caught my attention more than once. Also leaky gutter joints dripping onto something metal near the house like an outside condenser unit or metal deck flashing.

2. Is your ducting in the attic and how insulated is it? I ask because given that the drip happens during a time of high humidity and when you are probably using your air conditioning system, it could be just water condensing somewhere and dripping onto your duct work.

Thanks. I think ducts are uninsulated by themselves and there are loose fiber glass blown on top. I didn't noticed this issue when it is sunny and hot (with air conditioning on) I will keep a closed eye on other possibilities.

[physics911]

Thanks for the responses. I found some water marks in the utility closet but I have no idea whether they are new.

A cheap moisture meter can tell you.
Take a reading where you see the stain, and then readings elsewhere.

https://www.amazon.com/Moisture-TESMEN- ... hdGY&psc=1

[Hockey10]

It could be something as simple as water dripping down your downspout?

We used to have this problem. It was always after the rain stopped. After replacing our old worn out gutters and downspouts, have not heard the noise again.

[student]

It could be something as simple as water dripping down your downspout?

We used to have this problem. It was always after the rain stopped. After replacing our old worn out gutters and downspouts, have not heard the noise again.

Interesting. We have new gutters and downspouts put in last year.