What Causes Leakage at the Roof Light?
2 Answers
Roof leakage can be caused by the following reasons: 1. Sunroof leakage: There are generally two scenarios for sunroof leakage. One is that small sand particles or dust in the sunroof drainage channel cause blockages. The other is that the sunroof sealing strip has been "lifted" or displaced. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly clean the sunroof to maintain the cleanliness around the drainage channel. Additionally, during routine car washes, use high-pressure air jet equipment to blow air in the direction of the drainage pipes to remove any accumulated dirt. 2. Failure of automotive waterproof adhesive causing leakage: Leakage often occurs at the openings of doors and the trunk. This is mostly due to issues with the waterproof strips, such as deterioration, aging, or cracking of the rubber waterproof strips, allowing rainwater to seep in. Reapplying adhesive specifically designed for waterproof strips can completely prevent leakage. 3. Blocked drainage pipes causing interior leakage: The most common cause of interior leakage is the blockage of the drainage pipes beneath the front windshield. Infrequent car washing or prolonged parking under trees can lead to the accumulation of dust, leaves, mud, and other debris in the drainage pipes. Over time, these blockages can obstruct the pipes, preventing proper drainage. During heavy rain, water may backflow into the car, causing leakage. 4. Failure of floor plug seals causing leakage: While rainwater usually leaks from above, it can also seep in from below due to issues with the floor plug seals. The floor has several holes where plug seals are embedded from above. If these seals become misaligned, the interior becomes directly connected to the ground, allowing rainwater to seep in during heavy rain. If the floor gets wet, this should be the first area to suspect.
I've recently dealt with this exact issue. Roof light leaks usually occur in several scenarios: The most common is clogged sunroof drain holes, where leaves or debris block the drainage tube openings, causing rainwater to seep through the headliner to the roof light area. I've personally cleaned them before - just use a thin wire to poke through the drain holes, and remember to regularly clean the sunroof tracks. Another possibility is aged or cracked roof seals, especially in sun-exposed regions where deteriorated rubber allows water intrusion through gaps. It could also be loose window installation screws or minor roof collisions causing deformations - these require professional inspection of weld points. I recommend observing water trails during rain to identify the source, which makes repairs much easier.
