Roof Leak On Main Level

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.

Roof leak on main level.

This means the expanse of shingles slate shakes whatever. 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. Debris like leaves pine needles or twigs can trap water against the roof.

Check the cabinet. Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk. And just one rusted out nail can cause your roof to leak every time it rains. If shingles get lifted or torn from high winds the damaged shingle exposes nails holding the shingle below it.

These nails will eventually rust. Look for mold or mildew in attics or on walls. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Recaulk the corner flashing if any areas have hardened caulk.

Other materials such as slate concrete tile or clay tile may not be so forgiving. 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. Isolate areas when you run the hose. Normally rain runs right off the roof and into the gutters directing water away from the home.

Head to the attic with a flashlight the next time it rains and trace a wet trickle to its highest point to determine. If your roof is asphalt then you can walk around with ease. Replace any missing or rotted siding above the step flashing on dormers. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.

Let s examine a few common causes of leaks so you can keep an eye on your roof. If your roof is older it is possible that the leak is within the roof field. Look for wet moist and rotting wood in crawl spaces around. 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.

Look for discoloration on ceiling tiles or drywall. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. The water can seep into the roof. However during heavy rainfall your gutters might not be able to keep up.

Make sure you keep the roof clear so water will spill over it fast. A plumbing vent pipe is a common culprit for leaks. Sometimes the sheer volume of rainfall leads to your sporadic roof leak.