Roof Leak On Main Level

If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose.

Roof leak on main level.

How to trace a leak in the ceiling 1. Examine roof flashings for gaps and check for cracks in the rubber boots on rooftop vents. Let s examine a few common causes of leaks so you can keep an eye on your roof. If your roof is asphalt then you can walk around with ease.

The water can seep into the roof. If any of these issues are present water will be able to enter your roof along the pipe. Make sure you keep the roof clear so water will spill over it fast. Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk.

Normally rain runs right off the roof and into the gutters directing water away from the home. Determine if there is a roof leak. Look for wet moist and rotting wood in crawl spaces around. This means the expanse of shingles slate shakes whatever.

Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. These nails will eventually rust. However during heavy rainfall your gutters might not be able to keep up. Go into your attic and locate the source of the leak on the underside of the roof deck using the measurements taken from your home s living space.

Replace any missing or rotted siding above the step flashing on dormers. Isolate areas when you run the hose. Recaulk the corner flashing if any areas have hardened caulk. And just one rusted out nail can cause your roof to leak every time it rains.

For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. These fixed points can be perpendicular exterior walls a fireplace chimney or other components that extend through the finished ceiling to the attic space or roof surface. Head to the attic with a flashlight the next time it rains and trace a wet trickle to its highest point to determine. Check the cabinet.

If shingles get lifted or torn from high winds the damaged shingle exposes nails holding the shingle below it. Look for discoloration on ceiling tiles or drywall. Other materials such as slate concrete tile or clay tile may not be so forgiving. Debris like leaves pine needles or twigs can trap water against the roof.

A plumbing vent pipe is a common culprit for leaks. If your roof is older it is possible that the leak is within the roof field. Roof nail leaks can happen when roof nails have been loosened slightly from high winds or have simply pulled out over time.