Water Coming in via Soffit, What's to be done to stop this?

2/27/2021 at 2:00:56 PM

After reading others comments I see my response was incomplete; therefore I'm editing it. I was just thinking about my own problem which I believe is caused by my 3 gas appliances venting in close proximity to the soffits. I intend to install non-vented soffits where the appliances vent to see if that cures the problem next winter/spring.

As others have mentioned it could be ice-damming. Is there eave protection beneath your roofing? Is there adequate attic ventilation - Code requires a 1:300 ratio of ventilation to roof area with minimum 25% at top and bottom of roof. Is the attic insulation adequate, evenly distributed and not blocking ventilation? Is there an internal source of warm humid air entering the attic space?

As another respondent mentioned windows are often not installed in accordance with Code with respect to head flashings and also proper shingle-style lapping of membranes over the head flashing.

Also, when installing soffits t's a good idea to slightly slope the soffits towards the exterior and to extend the exterior (Weather-Resistant-Barrier) membrane above the soffit J-trim.

2/27/2021 at 3:27:53 PM

you need to see if there is flashing on top of the window. If there is no flashing any water running down the wall will get behind the window. This type of situation is typical when new windows are installed on a sided vs. brick house.

2/27/2021 at 4:30:10 PM

I nearly every case I've seen where water is entering at the top of an exterior wall, it is due to ice damming. Often homeowners or unknowledgeable contractors add insulation and close the air gap a the narrow end of the attic space. This leads to ice build-up inside the attic above the wall during thaw and freeze cycles. So be careful about putting in solid soffits. That could make things worse if it is ice damning.

The underside of the roof should have cold air against it. There are foam or cardboard "Moore vents" that allow cold air to pass between the attic space and the soffits in modern homes. This helps prevent ice dams. If you have access to the attic, check and see if you have them installed. Do a google search to see what they look like.

Some other things to check: solid soffits hidden beneath ventilated aluminum ones, gutters and drip edges not working correctly and allowing water to flow back along the soffit.

2/27/2021 at 6:18:46 PM

James, I believe it is just condensation that has melted. But, it shouldn't be there because the air flow goes from the soffits up to the roof vents. I would suggest that you or someone look in the attic to make sure the area where the roof meets the walls have an opening to allow for the air flow. Many people cover or block this area thinking it will provide more warmth, wrong. It must be open and should cure the issue.