Roof Leak On Main Level

However during heavy rainfall your gutters might not be able to keep up.

Roof leak on main level.

Debris like leaves pine needles or twigs can trap water against the roof. Look for mold or mildew in attics or on walls. Look for discoloration on ceiling tiles or drywall. 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.

Normally rain runs right off the roof and into the gutters directing water away from the home. Roof nail leaks can happen when roof nails have been loosened slightly from high winds or have simply pulled out over time. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. If shingles get lifted or torn from high winds the damaged shingle exposes nails holding the shingle below it.

Often the rubber boot on the vent will be worn or torn the metal plastic base will have a crack or broken seam or a few nails will be loose or missing. Isolate areas when you run the hose. How to trace a leak in the ceiling 1. And just one rusted out nail can cause your roof to leak every time it rains.

The water can seep into the roof. These nails will eventually rust. Look for wet moist and rotting wood in crawl spaces around. If your roof is asphalt then you can walk around with ease.

Examine roof flashings for gaps and check for cracks in the rubber boots on rooftop vents. 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. Head to the attic with a flashlight the next time it rains and trace a wet trickle to its highest point to determine. Make sure you keep the roof clear so water will spill over it fast.

If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Sometimes the sheer volume of rainfall leads to your sporadic roof leak. Recaulk the corner flashing if any areas have hardened caulk. Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk.

Replace any missing or rotted siding above the step flashing on dormers. This means the expanse of shingles slate shakes whatever. A plumbing vent pipe is a common culprit for leaks. Check the cabinet.

Let s examine a few common causes of leaks so you can keep an eye on your roof. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Other materials such as slate concrete tile or clay tile may not be so forgiving.