DIY Network

Question: The paint is peeling off my porch ceiling. The area where it is peeling is not directly exposed to the weather like the area by the windows where the paint is in much better shape. What’s happening?

Answer: What’s happening is water vapor is getting through the roof and trapped behind the paint. One of the big reasons paint peels is because of trapped moisture that doesn’t stay trapped — it finds its way out.

Since this is a porch, the first place I’d look is the roof. If the shingles are old or in disrepair you can bet water is getting through — however, it maybe not be as liquid, so don’t expect to see drips.

The next place I’d look — especially if the roof is in good shape — is at the flashing between the porch roof and the house. If water is getting behind at this location it either needs to be repaired (might just need to be re-caulked) or replaced.

 Mark Clement is host of MyFixItUpLife and HGTVPro’s home and how-to ace.