The Leak: Ted’s Cherry Hill, NJ home had never had problems with roof leaks previously; however, he began noticing some discoloration on the ceiling in the corner where the wall meets the ceiling in the stairwell. Innocent enough at first, but soon, the area began to spread until it was certain there was an issue with an ongoing leak. Soon, the damage wasn’t isolated to that area and other areas of water damage began to appear along the joint between the ceiling in the living room and kitchen – and the water seepage was evident with every rainfall. It was past time to call a leak detection specialist who could diagnose the source of the leak and get it fixed.
Starting The Leak Detection Process
The Detection: Ted called Dr. Leaks to test and diagnose the leak problem. We began water testing by spraying the upper section of the tile roof valley and the lower section of the siding wall. Water was seen entering the roof located above the kitchen entrance door. We also sprayed the joint between the lower section of the siding wall and the tiles of the pitched roof at its highest point. Water was seen entering and seeping downward along the corner of the stairwell wall. The leak source was identified as the poor connection at the junction between the roof tilesand the siding on the right side of the house.
Assessing the Exact Sources of The Leaks and Scope of Leak Repair
The New Jersey Dr. Leaks team was able to further assess the sources of the leak as well as the extent of the damage to provide a quote to repair the leak as well as restore the home cosmetically. The
Once the leak location was confirmed, we evaluated the full extent of the damage. Inside, the hardwood floors were soft and discolored from prolonged exposure to moisture. In the basement, the wall directly beneath the backyard concrete pad was crumbling, with clear mineral deposits, a sign of ongoing saturation.
Cosmetic Repair and Home Restoration
Fixing a leak is just one part of a job. Restoring the home is the final step in restoring peace of mind. Once the leak was repaired, the Dr. Leaks team was able to restore the home inside and out. We treat any areas where mold growth could take place as well as
With a plan in place, our team began a comprehensive repair to stop the leak and protect the home from future damage. We started by removing the concrete around the existing drain to access the foundation and underlying pipe. The damaged drainpipe was removed and replaced up to the interior PVC coupling. Loose stucco on the rear and right-side façades was cleared, and we sealed the foundation opening using hydraulic cement. To prevent pooling, we formed a sloped concrete “cricket” at the base of the wall to direct water away from the structure.
Next, we patched all affected stucco areas, filled visible cracks, and applied caulk around all high-risk points, windows, doors, and wall penetrations. A new cast-iron drain assembly was installed and tied into the interior system, with proper spacing from the wall. The foundation was waterproofed, the area was backfilled and re-poured, and the concrete was cured to finish the structural work.
Final Touches
To ensure the repair blended seamlessly into the home, we applied two to three coats of a best-match elastomeric stucco sealer to the rear and right-side façades. This not only unified the finish but also added a protective moisture barrier to the entire repaired zone. After completing the work, we cleared all tools, materials, and debris, then thoroughly swept and cleaned the area, both inside and out.
Water damage isn’t always apparent, which is what makes it so dangerous. Many homeowners attempt surface-level fixes or hire general contractors who lack expertise in leak repair. However, without identifying the actual source, those efforts often fail, leading to further damage and increased costs down the line.
Leak detection and repair is what we do. We understand New Jersey homes, how they’re built, how water behaves, and where hidden vulnerabilities lie. That focus enables us to identify the real issue, address it effectively, and prevent it from recurring.
Don’t guess. Don’t wait. Call Dr. Leaks for expert Leak Detection and Leak Repairs that protect your home and your peace of mind.
Need to address a leak problem in your home? Book an Appointment today.
