Direct vent wall heater leaking from outside

[brooksie]

I have a direct vent gas wall heater in my first floor office. In the last several weeks I have noticed a mold/mildew smell in the office area. Last week I pulled up the rug and pad under my heater. There was mildew on the subfloor. I bleached the floor and replaced the pad. The smell came back, so yesterday I put a large mirror under the heater and sprayed a garden hose outside around the heating vent. Water began to SLOWLY drip down the heater (kindof where the wall plate meets the heating element)onto my floor. Would installing flashing where the vent meets the shingles do the trick? Is it possible for mold/mildew to grow in the heater itself (it is all metal)? Has anyone else had a problem similar?

Thanks,

Brooksie

[tinner666]

Some form of flashing would be indicated. Check with a local roofer or siding person.