How To Inspect Your Roof For Leaks

Also take a peek in your attic where damp rafters or leaks could additionally point to roof damage.

How to inspect your roof for leaks.

Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Also look for a thin stream of water flowing down one of the rafters. Moisture marks brown yellow or grey stains and peeling paint on walls and or ceilings could all indicate a damaged leaking roof. Look for damp spots on the underside of your roof.

If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Finding a roof leak like a pro is a process and takes time. Isolate areas when you run the hose. On a day like this when the spring showers are moving in you can feel pretty good about having a roof over your head.

The key to finding a leak is l. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Be sure to start small. Be sure to bring a flashlight so that you can inspect each area of your roof until you identify where the water is entering your home.

Don t go crazy with the water. Unless of course you ve got a pesky roof leak that you just can t find. If you don t want to wait for rain have a friend use a garden hose on the roof. Run the water over the place where you think the leak might be located.

Often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier such as at ceiling light fixtures. Looking for roof leaks on the outside of your house. If your roof is leaking right now go into the attic with a flashlight and some chalk to mark with while it s raining. Be patient in the process and you will be able to find most leaks.

Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak. Some roof leaks are tough to locate. Go into your attic and locate the source of the leak on the underside of the roof deck using the measurements taken from your home s living space. Inspect the underside of the roof for objects that have pierced it or have been attached to it.

Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed. Perform an indoor inspection. If your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier between the drywall and the attic insulation push the insulation aside and look for flow stains on the plastic. If you don t want to wait for rain to look for the leak try bringing the garden hose up on the roof.