Water Leak In Attic

Loss of insulating value.

Water leak in attic.

Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak. Chances are your ceiling has the equivalent of a 2 ft. By the time you find a fireplace leak your attic is likey already suffering from water damage water entry gone undetected for too long is something we chimney sweeps see often especially in kansas city with our unpredictable seasons. Here s how to locate the leak spots and plug them without spending a lot of money.

Attic condensation is due to humid air leaking or vented into the attic. Other ceiling water leaks. Many times water leaks are a result of a broken water line on the second floor or in the attic. 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.

Small air leaks into uninsulated attic space are a major source of heat loss in many homes. 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. Square hole that s acting like a chimney drafting expensive heated. We have also seen water supply lines from water softeners that are run through attic spaces.

Staining on the exposed chimney in the attic often reveals which side of the chimney water begins its travel to other areas. 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. Some roof leaks are tough to locate. 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.

Over time algae can grow inside of this drain line causing backups or clogs. 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. Often older homes conceal various pipes and wiring behind it you might end up damaging them in your attempt to enter your attic. Also it is possible for dirt or debris to become lodged inside.

Insulation in the attic is often the first victim when roof leaks occur or when plumbing pipes routed through the attic leak. So what is causing the water leak.