Water Leak In Attic

Some roof leaks are tough to locate.

Water leak in attic.

We have also seen water supply lines from water softeners that are run through attic spaces. Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak. If your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier between the drywall and the attic insulation push the insulation aside and look for flow stains on the plastic often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier such as at ceiling light fixtures. If water is dripping from your ceiling and your furnace and or air handler is located in the attic the most likely cause is a clogged condensate drain line.

Small air leaks into uninsulated attic space are a major source of heat loss in many homes. Insulation in the attic is often the first victim when roof leaks occur or when plumbing pipes routed through the attic leak. Also it is possible for dirt or debris to become lodged inside. Staining on the exposed chimney in the attic often reveals which side of the chimney water begins its travel to other areas.

While some leaks are totally silent for instance if water is traveling along a wall stud other leaks can sometimes be heard giving you a clue as to the leak s location. Even if the seemingly easiest way to find and trace the path of water coming from a roof leak is via the attic you should never attempt to open up a sealed attic by creating a hole on the ceiling. The two most common types of insulation fiberglass batts and blown in cellulose loose fill are vulnerable to attic water damage in two specific ways. We ve seen hvac units located in attics and on second floors.

Other ceiling water leaks. Chances are your ceiling has the equivalent of a 2 ft. Attic condensation is due to humid air leaking or vented into the attic. Vent humid air from kitchens and bathrooms to the outside instead of the attic to avoid this problem.

Often older homes conceal various pipes and wiring behind it you might end up damaging them in your attempt to enter your attic. With these systems condensate leaks can lead to a big mess but it s nothing compared to a condensate leak that occurs at an air conditioner in an attic or really any place that has finished. So what is causing the water leak. Over time algae can grow inside of this drain line causing backups or clogs.

Here s how to locate the leak spots and plug them without spending a lot of money. Loss of insulating value.