Is it a Roofing or HVAC Issue?

When you spot water damage on your ceiling, you may automatically think it is a roof leak. However, if you have HVAC/Furnace units in your attic, your HVAC may be the culprit. Below we discuss how you can determine if the leak is caused by your roofing or your HVAC unit.

Does the leak get worse after a storm?

If the leak or water stains in the ceiling get worse after a storm, it's likely a leak caused by the roofing materials. However, if the leak does not get worse with rain or gets worse even with the absence of rain, your HVAC system may be the cause.

Where is the leak coming from?

If your ceiling is stained, see if aligns with the AC drain pan in the attic. Otherwise, that section of the ceiling can also be cut out or the ceiling tile removed to identify the source of the leak. Also, if water is dripping out of a vent, this is a clear sign that your HVAC system is not functioning properly.

Common Causes of HVAC Unit Leaks

- Access covers on HVAC ductwork are poorly designed

- Joints are not sealed properly

- Filter access panels on the HVAC unit are bent, loose, or missing

- Your systems' intake hoods have holes or loose edges

- The weatherstripping on your HVAC's air intake panels is damaged

- There are cracked seams around your HVAC platform

- Exposed ductwork is leaking from cracks, breaks, or damaged seals

- Your HVAC's drain pan is damaged and not working properly and cannot properly connect or drain condensation water

- The vacuum located inside the HVAC system is bringing in rainwater from a hole or opening in the unit

- Your HVAC system is overworked due to hot weather the the pan has overflowed.

Ways to Prevent Your HVAC From Causing a Leak

- Regularly changing out the air filter will prevent water from building up in the HVAC unit

- Have your HVAC's drain pipe cleaned regularly to prevent clogging

- Get sealants reapplied to prevent the breakdown of sealants in between annual maintenance

To help determine the cause of the leak, have a qualified roofing contractor take a look to evaluate your roof. ARAC Roof It Forward offers a free video roof inspection so we can show you videos and photos of the damage on your roof from the safety of the ground. As we show you the videos and pictures we will recommend repairs and go over the associated costs. Our goal at Roof It Forward is to provide our community with high-quality roofing solutions for residential and commercial properties. Schedule your free video inspection today!