What is the hardest part about fixing a roof that’s leaking? It’s often just a matter of locating the leak. It’s not hard to see water stains or growth on the ceiling. These are sure signs of a roof leak. Once water penetrates the roof, insulation can divert it. Even though you might notice a leaky roof in a corner bedroom, it may not be the most vulnerable part of the roof.
Roof repair usually begins with some detective work. These tips on how to locate a roof leak will help you crack the case and stop the leak before it gets worse.
Look up in the attic for a better view of the underside.
You can use a flashlight to guide you up into the attic. You’ll need to be careful if there is no flooring. Step carefully from joist-to-joist if there is none. If you step between joists you could put your foot through the ceiling below!
Use the flashlight to inspect the underside of the roof. Watch out for areas of the roof decking that appear darker. It may be difficult to detect moist areas if it hasn’t recently rained. Mold on the other has a tendency of lingering. If you find a mold patch, it’s likely that you have found the weakest point on your roof.
The roof leak can be traced back to damaged insulation.
Insulation can hide the underside of your roofing, which is helpful in locating a roof leak. Insulation degrades faster and more noticeable than wood. You may only see damage to one part of the insulation. However, the leak could be several feet away on either side.
You should carefully remove any insulation that is adjacent to where you see signs of a leak. You can then follow the path the water takes from the damaged area to the point where it enters the roof. Wear the right protective gear when working with insulation.
Check the underside of your roof to see if there are any objects attached or pierced through it.
Leaks are most noticeable when an object, such as an errant nail, has managed to penetrate the roof. If you can’t find any obvious signs of leaks, look at the roof vents. These vents can be found near the ridges, gable ends or both. The seals on vents may weaken over time, allowing rainwater into the house.
If the dry weather makes it difficult to find a leaky roof, you can spray water on it with a garden hose.
What if the recent dry weather makes it difficult to locate a roof leak? You can simulate a thunderstorm. Two people are needed for this method: one person climbs up the roof with the garden hose, while the other remains in the attic holding a flashlight. The person on top of the roof will wet down sections of the roof while the other examines its underside to check for leaks.
You can see how your roof holds up to the conditions of a storm by simulating it.
Start your roof repair.
Leaks continue to worsen. Once you have located your leak, act quickly. In many cases, a simple roof repair is all that’s needed to stop the leak. For example, you can replace a shingle. Do not hesitate to call a professional if you are uncomfortable on the roof or the leak appears extensive.
Call in the experts.
Of course, depending on the leak, it may be more difficult to fix than you can handle. If that’s the case, call the roofing experts at Priority Roofing. We will be happy to come out and give you an estimate to repair your roof. With our years of experience, you can be confident in the work performed and know that the leak has been dealt with properly.