Roof Leak On Main Level

Let s examine a few common causes of leaks so you can keep an eye on your roof.

Roof leak on main level.

Look for wet moist and rotting wood in crawl spaces around. Examine roof flashings for gaps and check for cracks in the rubber boots on rooftop vents. Roof nail leaks can happen when roof nails have been loosened slightly from high winds or have simply pulled out over time. If your roof is older it is possible that the leak is within the roof field.

The water can seep into the roof. If shingles get lifted or torn from high winds the damaged shingle exposes nails holding the shingle below it. If your roof is asphalt then you can walk around with ease. Other materials such as slate concrete tile or clay tile may not be so forgiving.

And just one rusted out nail can cause your roof to leak every time it rains. 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. If any of these issues are present water will be able to enter your roof along the pipe. Debris like leaves pine needles or twigs can trap water against the roof.

A plumbing vent pipe is a common culprit for leaks. Recaulk the corner flashing if any areas have hardened caulk. Normally rain runs right off the roof and into the gutters directing water away from the home. Make sure you keep the roof clear so water will spill over it fast.

Head to the attic with a flashlight the next time it rains and trace a wet trickle to its highest point to determine. Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk. Look for discoloration on ceiling tiles or drywall. Replace any missing or rotted siding above the step flashing on dormers.

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. Sometimes the sheer volume of rainfall leads to your sporadic roof leak. How to trace a leak in the ceiling 1. This means the expanse of shingles slate shakes whatever.

Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Determine if there is a roof leak. Isolate areas when you run the hose. Look for mold or mildew in attics or on walls.

These nails will eventually rust. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. 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.