Leaky Dormer Roof

If the roof underside has insulation it can actually help you spot a leak.

Leaky dormer roof.

Penetrations can include plumbing and roof vents chimneys dormers or anything else that projects through the roof. The rubber gasket that surrounds the vent pipe could be rotted. A roof leak at the edge of a dormer can allow a lot of water to enter your home. Run the water over the place where you think the leak might be located.

Use a flashlight to ensure the flashing extends. Examine the trim and siding around the dormer. Dormer valleys looking for roof leaks on the outside of your house. If a shed you could pry up shingle i m assuming asphault roof and slide some flashing under the course that is above the leak and have flashing cover problem area.

The heavy snows and ice of winter 2013 14 compounded the problem when ice damming on the roof backed up into the dormer and poured through to the foyer ceiling creating the situation shown above. Rotten or missing trim or siding can allow water to leak behind flashing and into your roof. Dormer roof repairs require some time and a few tools but are considerably cheaper than replacing an interior wall damaged from the leak. Check the flashing beneath the corner trims along.

Check plumbing vent boots and roof vents if water is entering from that area to cause the leaking roof. Dormer leaks can be caused from a number of issues. The interior walls of the dormer were often condensated and heavy rains would lead to water damage on the lower level foyer ceiling. Look for cracks in the base of flexible rubber flashing or broken seams in metal varieties of vent pipe flashing.

Finding the leak 1. Look for signs of rotting or a missing piece of siding. A little roofing cement could help flashing stay put or a nail or two if you can get proper coverage from above course. Using the appropriate protective gear be sure not just to remove the damaged insulation but the insulation next to it.

Is it a shed or a gable dog house dormer. Look along the edge of the dormer siding where it meets the shingles. Insulation on leaky roofs will usually show noticeable damage or deterioration. Most dormer leaks occur as the flashing deteriorates and the connection between the two roofs is weakened leading to leaks which may cause mould stains and damage within the walls of the house.

Even though these were previously billed as solutions for the leak a new roof and new siding did not stop the leaking. If you don t want to wait for rain to look for the leak try bringing the garden hose up on the roof.