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Roof problems, explained. Follow the clues, compare your options, and figure out what to do next.

Roof problems

Where is the water coming from?

A ceiling stain, a wet skylight and water at the roof edge can have different causes. Start with when the water appears and what is nearby, then use the more specific guides to narrow the investigation.

Browse all 54 guides

  1. Ceiling Leak: Roof, Plumbing or Air Conditioning?

    Start with the source: compare rain, plumbing use and cooling cycles before choosing who to call.

    4 min read

  2. Is That Ceiling Stain Old or Still Getting Wet?

    Already have a stain? Work out whether it is changing before patching or repainting.

    3 min read

  3. Why Your Roof Leaks Only in Wind-Driven Rain

    If ordinary rain causes no trouble, wind direction and exposed junctions may explain the difference.

    3 min read

54 guides / Roof problemsShowing 1-18

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Small tan ceiling stain near a bedroom corner beside a window

Roof problems4 min read

Ceiling Leak: Roof, Plumbing or Air Conditioning?

Use rain, fixture-use and cooling patterns to direct a ceiling-leak investigation without opening the ceiling or creating another leak.

Low-slope membrane roof above a rear extension with side parapets and an eavestrough

Roof problems4 min read

Ponding Water on a Flat Roof: What to Document

Record where water remains, when rain stopped and how drains behave before deciding what a low-slope roof needs.

Dark metal flashing at the base of a brick chimney on an asphalt roof

Roof problems4 min read

Chimney Leak: Flashing, Mortar or the Chimney Cap?

Water beside a chimney can come from the roof junction or higher masonry. Learn how to coordinate roofing and chimney inspections.

Skylight with surrounding shingles lifted to expose side flashing during work

Roof problems4 min read

Can You Replace Skylight Glass Without Replacing the Unit?

Compare glazing, sash and complete skylight replacement when a pane cracks, with the frame and roof connection assessed separately.

Open roof window in furnished sloped-ceiling bedroom

Roof problems4 min read

The Skylight Has Not Closed in the Rain

Use the safe indoor close control, protect the room and identify the skylight. Separate rain-sensor, power and opening-mechanism faults.

Brick chimney with dark stepped flashing

Roof problems5 min read

What Are the White Deposits on the Chimney?

White chimney deposits may be salts carried by moisture. Identify the deposit and water route before choosing cleaning, coating or repair.

Brick chimney with dark stepped flashing

Roof problems4 min read

Why Are Brick Faces Landing in the Gutter?

Brick pieces in the gutter need a chimney assessment, not just cleaning. Keep clear of falling material and check the masonry, moisture and roof.

Short downspout releasing water beside a basement window well

Roof problems4 min read

A Backwater Valve Will Not Stop Every Rain Leak

A backwater valve addresses reverse flow through drainage pipes. Roof runoff can still enter through a window well, doorway or foundation defect.

Tan water stain on a bedroom ceiling near the wall and window

Roof problems4 min read

A New BC Home Has a Roof Leak: Who Should You Contact?

For a new BC home roof leak, identify the warranty provider and report through its process as well as to the builder. Check home insurance separately.

Perforated soffit under gutter and shingles

Roof problems4 min read

Carpenter Ants at the Eaves: Pest Problem or Wet Wood?

Carpenter ants can point toward damp wood without proving a roof leak. Coordinate pest identification with a targeted moisture and timber assessment.

Red brick house with a steep grey shingle roof and a driveway beside it

Roof problems4 min read

A New Alberta Roof Leaks: How Does Warranty Reporting Work?

Use Alberta's home registry to identify the warranty provider and commencement date, then report the observed roof defect through that provider's claim process.

Low knee-wall access door and sloped attic behind

Roof problems4 min read

Bats in the Attic: Who Comes Before the Roofer?

Seek prompt health advice for possible bat exposure. Coordinate lawful exclusion and roof repair before closing attic gaps; species and timing matter.

White downspout extension releasing roof water onto grass beside a brick house

Roof problems4 min read

Roof Water Runs Down the Driveway Into the Garage

Trace roof discharge and driveway levels together. A garage threshold or channel drain cannot compensate for an unexplained upstream water route.

Hands comparing papers beside shingle samples, a pencil and folder on a kitchen table

Roof problems4 min read

After an Attic Fire: Repair the Roof or Rebuild?

Understand structural assessment after an attic fire, including char, connections, concealed damage, firefighting water and the order of restoration work.

Open ceiling hatch showing loose-fill insulation and attic framing

Roof problems4 min read

A Truss Plate Looks Loose: What Needs Checking?

A pressed-tooth truss plate is an engineered connection. Record its location, position and surrounding wood for a qualified assessment before repair.

Brick chimney with dark stepped flashing

Roof problems4 min read

Rust Below a Chimney Cap: Clean It or Replace Something?

Rust below a chimney cap shows a water-and-metal trail. Check the source, attachment and drainage before choosing stain removal or replacement.

Low-slope membrane roof over a rear addition beside a brick wall

Roof problems4 min read

Who Fixes a Leak Beneath an Existing Green Roof?

Plan a green-roof leak investigation with clear responsibility for moving, caring for and reinstating planting layers before opening the waterproofing.

White downspout extension releasing roof water onto grass beside a brick house

Roof problems5 min read

The Downspout Is Far From the House, but the Lawn Stays Wet

Once the outlet is suitably separated from the house, investigate the receiving lawn. Low spots, compacted layers and wet soil call for different corrections.

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