My Roof Tile Leaks Inside the Windows

Condensation

• Sometimes it may appear that a roof leak is causing water to form on or inside a window, but in fact the water is coming from condensation. The moist air in the house comes into contact with the cold window, which drops in temperature from contact with the cold air outside. The condensing water on the window makes the window appear to be leaking water. A dead giveaway that the windows are wet from condensation is when they are wet during a day when no precipitation has fallen on your roof. You may stop window condensation by reducing the moisture in your house’s air, or using bathroom or kitchen vents or a general home dehumidifier.

Signs of Leaks

• Certain signs point toward a water leak in a window that is coming from the attic because of a leak in your roof. When this is the source of a water leak, you see water damage or stains on the trim at the top of the window. If the water inside the window is coming from a roof leak, then you also see water stains at the top of the window from the water flowing inside. Going inside your attic gives you an up-close view of water damage directly above the window, as well as reveals a path of water that indicates the origin of the leak.

Sources of Leaks

• Tile roofs may leak because of one of several common sources. Debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt may fall or blow onto your roof. The debris causes water to stand on the roof instead of running off, allowing the water to find a pathway of least resistance through the roofing materials. The roof tiles may crack if water enters the tiles, freezes and expands, forming cracks that allow water to pass through. All tile roofs have an underlay below the tiles. If the underlay wears out over time, water may pass through your roof and into your attic, where it can enter your windows.

Gutter Problems

• You may not find any signs of leaks in your tile roof, and yet water still continues to enter the windows. If this is the case, the water may be coming from the rain gutters, which are full of old leaves, dirt and other debris that keeps the water from flowing through the downspout and onto the ground. The overflowing gutters allow the water to spill over the sides and enter a window through a broken seal at the top of the window. Cleaning the gutters so the water flows freely through them alleviates the problem.