Sealing Attic Water Leaks

Identifying roofing system leaks.

Sealing attic water leaks.

To properly seal your attic hatch also known as an attic door or scuttle hole at a minimum you should apply weather stripping and ensure the attic side of the attic door is insulated. Attic insulation and air sealing will reduce ice dams from forming on your roof and water leaks into your home. Water leaks occur through roof failure ice dams and water condensation or frost build up inside an attic. Once the water supply is shut off decide how to fix a leaky pipe temporarily to prevent damage until a more permanent repair can be made.

One person will be outside the house with a garden hose running water over the roof. Then finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking foam weatherstrip photos 10 and 11. Find the exact source of the leak because pipe leaks in the middle of a straight run might use a quick fix method that is different from what is needed near a pipe fitting. Find a friend to help with the roof leak test.

The other person will be inside the attic watching the area for water leaks. Again practice safety first. Here s how it works. How to water test your roof for leaks.

Walk carefully on the ceiling joists in the attic or use a sheet of plywood to walk on so you will not accidentally put a hole in the ceiling panel. If you see signs of water damage from the ceiling right below the attic then it s a certainty that you re dealing with a leaking roof. If there signs of water damage or dripping water coming from the ceiling that is directly below an attic space or directly below the roof surface itself there is almost no question that the true cause is a hole or other type of damage in the shingles or other roofing material that make up the roof system. 8 insulate water pipes that run through your attic with foam pipe wrap insulation.

If your hatch rests directly on the moldings like ours did add 2 1 2 in wide stops around the. If the insulation in the attic has gotten wet from plumbing leaks replace it to prevent mold or mildew from forming. When you re done sealing your attic bypasses push the insulation back into place with an old broom handle or stick as you back out of the attic. If your attic isn t properly air sealed and insulated you will experience uncomfortable rooms uneven temperatures throughout the home dust mold.

Your attic is vital to your home s overall comfort health and energy efficiency. Better yet there are high quality products such as the attic gator designed to both seal and insulate attic access doors and scuttle holes. Unless you have plumbing pipes or appliances that deal with water in your attic the leak has no other possible source than the roof.