Roof water paths: drainage versus hidden entry
Compare a normal shingle-to-gutter route with water that crosses a failed flashing or underlayment detail and appears far from the entry point.
Deterministic building intelligence
Follow the clues.
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HouseSymptoms ranks likely causes from timing, location, weather and distinguishing evidence. The score is a transparent fit index—not a remote diagnosis.
21 diagnostic profiles31 failure fingerprints32 visual patterns
Active regional intelligenceGlobal baselineNo regional layer is active. Results use the global knowledge graph.
No terminology overrideSelect a regional pack to localize building language.
Open regional pack →Matched Visual Atlas pathways
See the routes behind this clue.
Language fit connects the description to explanatory diagrams and evidence worksheets. It is not a probability.
Window water management: face seal versus drainage plane
See why a sealed exterior joint is only one layer of defense and how head flashing, side laps and a sill pan redirect water back outdoors.
Shower leak paths: splash, drain, supply and waterproofing
Separate four overlapping shower-related routes by changing one operating condition at a time.
Drain pressure: normal venting versus trap disturbance
See how a vented drain admits air above the roof and how a restriction can pull or push air through nearby fixture traps.
Active profile
Brown or yellow ceiling stain
Separate rain entry, plumbing leakage and cold-surface condensation by timing, position and moisture behavior.
See1evidence clues active
Transparent cause ranking
What currently fits—and why
Fit index compares this profile’s evidence. It is not a probability and does not prove a hidden condition.
Rain reaches the interior through a failed covering, flashing, penetration, joint or drainage detail.
Evidence supporting it
- Rain correlation strongly supports water entering through the roof assembly.
Evidence weakening it
No direct contradiction is active yet.
Most useful missing evidenceRoof or atticThe stain sits below the roof or attic.+
Cooling or heating condensate cannot leave the appliance normally.
Evidence supporting it
No strong confirming clue has been added yet.
Evidence weakening it
No direct contradiction is active yet.
Most useful missing evidenceDuct or mechanical equipmentMechanical equipment or ductwork is above the mark.+
Water escapes from a supply, drain, appliance connection or seal and appears away from the actual failure.
Evidence supporting it
No strong confirming clue has been added yet.
Evidence weakening it
- Rain timing is less consistent with an internal plumbing source.
Moist indoor air reaches a surface below its dew point and deposits liquid water.
Evidence supporting it
No strong confirming clue has been added yet.
Evidence weakening it
- Direct rain correlation points toward liquid entry.
Other questions still available
How does the mark behave?
Active wetting differs from residual staining.