Roof Leaks in a Breakfast Nook

Construction

• Breakfast nooks are often added to the main structure of the house at initial home construction or later as a remodel. The nook's roof has to be carefully knit into the structure of the main body of the house. Proper flashing is key to keeping rain from penetrating between house and nook. Sometimes, however, roofers skimp on flashing materials and technique, setting the stage for a leak.

Problems

• Flashing usually fails because of improper installation. Usually sheet metal, if it doesn't tuck under the upper siding or in the brick mortar, water will eventually penetrate the siding and cause a leak. If the nook's roof attaches to the main roof, flashing must begin under the shingles on the main roof and go over the shingles of the nook. If a roofer uses silicone caulk or roofing cement as a substitute for proper flashing installation, it will inevitably leak.

Diagnosing Leaks

• When inspected from inside, if the leak is evident under the main exterior wall, it is probably a flashing problem. Interior stains near the eaves often indicate a problem with clogged gutters or ice dams. A leak running under the peak of a roof might indicate poor flashing at the ridge or improper ridge vent installation.

Repairs

• Keeping gutters clear and the nook's roof ventilated and insulated keeps ice dams at bay. Ridge vent replacement is an intermediate and effective do-it-yourself project. Flashing problems are best done by a roofing professional with an excellent reputation. Be wary of roofers whose solution is to use caulk or roofing cement, as it will only be a temporary solution. Likewise, while caulk may be a necessary do-it-yourself step until you can get a professional, it is never a permanent fix.