Roof Leak On Main Level

How to trace a leak in the ceiling 1.

Roof leak on main level.

Look for mold or mildew in attics or on walls. Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk. 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. Normally rain runs right off the roof and into the gutters directing water away from the home.

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. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Check the cabinet. Determine if there is a roof leak.

However during heavy rainfall your gutters might not be able to keep up. If your roof is older it is possible that the leak is within the roof field. Other materials such as slate concrete tile or clay tile may not be so forgiving. Look for discoloration on ceiling tiles or drywall.

If any of these issues are present water will be able to enter your roof along the pipe. Replace any missing or rotted siding above the step flashing on dormers. And just one rusted out nail can cause your roof to leak every time it rains. Look for wet moist and rotting wood in crawl spaces around.

Head to the attic with a flashlight the next time it rains and trace a wet trickle to its highest point to determine. If shingles get lifted or torn from high winds the damaged shingle exposes nails holding the shingle below it. Recaulk the corner flashing if any areas have hardened caulk. Sometimes the sheer volume of rainfall leads to your sporadic roof leak.

Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Debris like leaves pine needles or twigs can trap water against the roof. Roof nail leaks can happen when roof nails have been loosened slightly from high winds or have simply pulled out over time.

A plumbing vent pipe is a common culprit for leaks. Make sure you keep the roof clear so water will spill over it fast. Let s examine a few common causes of leaks so you can keep an eye on your roof. The water can seep into the roof.

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. This means the expanse of shingles slate shakes whatever.