Roof Leaking Through Ceiling Light

Identifying the cause.

Roof leaking through ceiling light.

Even touching a light switch for your ceiling light may result in a shock. To find the source of a roof leak. However these are the most common problems we see in the field. A roof leak is always a cause for concern.

When there is water leaking from a light fixture in the ceiling you either have a roof leak or plumbing leak that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. During installation each skylight essentially creates a big hole in an otherwise uniform roof surface. If the leak isn t obvious have a helper watch in the attic while you get on the roof with a garden hose. Confirm that the electricity is off by testing.

The water damage from a roof leak can extend well past the location of the leak. Especially as your home ages a bit. 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. If you see water leaking from a ceiling light fixture immediately shut off the electricity at the home s service panel breaker box.

Skylight leaks in heavy rain are a common source for roof leaks. The ac drip pan becomes clogged and overflows. This is not common but it sometimes occurs if you have older metal pipes that have corroded. Fire sprinkler pipes age and begin to leak.

Water acts as a conduit for electricity and it s possible to suffer a damaging and potentially deadly shock when water is in an electrical fixture. The biggest danger of experiencing water leaking from a ceiling light fixture is experiencing an electric shock. No matter how well your skylights were installed it is still possible for them to leak during heavy rains. A leak in the roof eventually soaks into ceiling material.

Reasons for a roof leak on an external overhang. Damage to your attic and ceiling the first sections of your home that would be affected when your roof leaks are those that are directly in its path which is usually the ceiling or attic. Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point. Many things can cause water to leak through a ceiling and into a light fixture.

Where ceiling leaking appears to be occurring in areas where there are no plumbing fixtures directly above there is a possibility that a water supply pipe or drain pipe inside a ceiling cavity has developed a leak. Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak. Both are definitely problems but right now you have an even more urgent one because a leak near a light fixture is a serious electrical hazard. An upstairs bathroom develops plumbing problems.

In most cases you can see paint peeling off discolored or bubbling wood components to rot and getting water all over your stuff in the attic when leaks are present.