The most difficult part of fixing a leaky roof? How to find a roof leak. Sure, it’s easy enough to notice water stains on your ceiling or noticing mold—sure indicators of a leak. Nevertheless, once water has permeated the roof, it’s easily redirected by things like insulation. So, although you may see evidence of a leak in the corner closet, the susceptible point in your roof may be rather far removed from that part of your home.
That’s why roof repair projects usually start with a certain amount of investigative work. Following these tips for how to locate a roof leak, you can quickly crack the case and repair the leak before the damage gets any worse.
Head into the attic to get a good look at the underside of the roof.
Get yourself yourself a flashlight and go to your attic. Be careful while up there: When there isn’t proper flooring, step carefully from joist to joist. (If you happen to step between them, you might put your foot After the ceiling of the room underneath you!)
After you get oriented, use your flashlight to investigate the underside of your roof. Pay attention for any areas that are more dark than the roof’s sheathing. When it hasn’t rained recently, moist spots mighty be too difficult to distinguish. Mold, at the same time, has an inclination to linger. So, if you face a patch of mold, in which flourishes on moisture, chances are good that you’ve found the susceptible point in your roof.
Follow damaged insulation back to the source of the roof leak.
The underside of your roof might be blocked by insulation, and that’s actually beneficial for finding the leak. Insulation breaks down more noticeably and faster than wood will. If you’re noticing damage on one section of the insulation, nevertheless, you need to remember that the leak on its own may be several feet on either side since it diverted water away from the origin of the leak.
It’s a good idea to cautiously remove all insulation neighboring the area where you noticed signs of a leak. That way, you are able follow the path of the water from the damaged spot all the way to the water’s point of entry in the roof. Don’t forget that whenever you’re working with insulation, it’s a good idea to wear the proper protective gear.
Examine the underside of your roof for objects that have penetrated it or has been attached to it.
Most noticeable to you are leaks generated by an object (for instance, an wayward nail) that’s managed to puncture the roof. Not seeing any such clear signs, examine the roof vents. When present, these vents are usually near ridges and/or gable ends. Over time, the seals surrounding these vents can slowly weaken, letting rainwater to seep in.
If dry weather hinders you from locating a roof leak, douse the roof with water from a hose.
What happens if you’re pressing to locate a roof leak, but drier weather has made your search more difficult? Well, you can always fake a rainstorm. This method needs two people to carry it out: While one person gets on the roof, carrying a hose, the other person stays in the attic with a flashlight. Area by area, the person on the roof wets the roof down, while the other carefully investigates the roof’s underside for leaks.
By simulating a storm shower, you can notice unmediated how your roof endures—or fails to endure, as the case may be—conditions that simulate those of a natural storm.
G Keith Roofing and waterproofing in New York
At G Keith Roofing and waterproofing, we know choosing a Roofing Contractor in the New York Area is a tough job. We are here to help make it easier! Locally owned and operated, G Keith Roofing and waterproofing has been providing roof installation and roof repairs throughout the surrounding New York areas since 1995. With each new roofing project, we strive to provide professional, timely service at a fair price. Contact G Keith Roofing and waterproofing right here!
