Leaking Eaves on a House

Locate the area in the eaves where the leak is occurring. Leaks often occur at corner areas where sections meet.

Remove loose snow from the roof area above the eave with a rake or specially designed snow removal tool. You can do this from the ground or from the lower rungs of a ladder.

Remove leaves or other material that may obstruct water flow. Repair gutters with patch and caulking material.

Melt a channel in any ice dams that appear on the roof by applying water from a garden hose, if the weather is warm enough, or pre-warmed water otherwise, to facilitate melting. Allow all water to flow from the eave area before continuing.

Seal any visible leaks in the eave with exterior caulking material. To repair large leaks, cut a piece of flashing material slightly larger than the hole and cement that piece into place with roofing compound

Direct a fan onto the leaking area, ideally plugged in from the attic. This will quickly freeze the water that is leaking from the eave to prevent further water damage to the structure and give the sealing materials the opportunity to set and dry.

Install a drip edge, thin, metal flashing strip using nails that directs water into gutters to protect the eaves against further water intrusion. Ensure that the drip edge is installed on top of the roof sheathing at the eaves and over the roof underlayment at the roof edge in the way shingles are laid.

Seal the nailheads with roofing cement.