Why vigas leak
- Through the wall: where vigas extend through the parapet or exterior wall, the wood shrinks as it dries, leaving gaps that let water in.
- Exposed ends: viga ends outside the wall take sun and rain and can crack or rot, drawing water in.
- Along the wood: water from a roof leak lands on a viga and travels along it, dripping out far from the leak.
- Through parapet caps: water in the wall can follow a viga pocket inside.
What we check
- The ceiling pattern: along a viga, between latillas, or at a wall line.
- The roof above and upslope of the stain.
- The parapet and wall where the viga passes through.
- The viga ends outside for checks, cracks and rot.
Repairs
- Seal the roof and parapet where water is getting in
- Seal gaps around vigas where they pass through walls
- Cap or treat exposed viga ends
- Flag soft or rotted wood for a carpenter when needed
See leaks around vigas for more.
Call (505) 531-6840 for a free look at your roof. You get photos of what we find and written pricing before any work starts.
Common questions
Will the stain on my viga come out?
Light stains can sometimes be cleaned or sanded; dark stains may need refinishing. Fix the leak first.
Is my viga rotting?
Probe it. Soft wood, crumbling ends or fungus are signs. Long-term leaks can rot vigas, which is why early repair matters.
Do latilla ceilings leak more?
They don't cause leaks, but water shows up between latillas in odd places, which makes tracing more important.