If you’ve found this blog, chances are you either noticed water dripping from your ceiling, see some discoloration on it, or more unfortunately, maybe put a part of your hand through some sheetrock with little effort.
Either way, you’re here to try to figure out how to find a roof leak, and we’re here for you. Keep reading to find the answer you’re looking for and get to repairing sooner rather than later.
Some Considerations
If you haven’t already, you’ll need to stop or limit the flow of water from where it’s coming from in your ceiling. Get a bucket, a pot, anything that can retain liquid and put it under the dripping water.
Next, cover the floor with plastic and move any furniture in the immediate area to protect your belongings. If it’s really, really bad (as in, you think your ceiling may collapse), clear the room of all your things as quickly as possible. Like, right now.
You also may want to get on the phone with your insurance company.
Investigating a Leak with Access to the Attic
If you have the ability to get into your attic, then here is where you’ll want to start. Just be sure to protect yourself prior to going up, as insulation could be hazardous to your health. Wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt, goggles, gloves, and a face mask. A flashlight and a marker wouldn’t hurt, either.
If you’re unsure about what kind of insulation you have, or don’t want to risk it, then contact us now. Buildpro will help you as soon as possible.
If you’re able to get up there safely, your handy-dandy flashlight will reflect off the leaking water. This will assist you in locating where you think the source of the leak could be and mark it for later. To help your search, you’d be looking for things like:
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- Dark spots on the plywood, trusses, or insulation
- Water marks or stains
- Mold or the smell of mildew
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After you’re done poking around in the attic, get some help. Have someone go to the mark you made in the attic, while you head up to the roof. Have your helper tap or bang on that area. This will help you hone in on the problem area more efficiently.
But, What if I Don’t Find Any Water in the Attic?
If this is you, then go ahead and call a professional. It’s possible that the water is coming from something like condensation from bad ventilation in your attic or a plumbing issue. Heck, even contact Buildpro to come investigate — there may be something you missed.
If they confirm that the condensation is NOT from a roof leak, they’d be your guide as to who to call next.
Areas to Watch for Roof Leaks
Ok, so let’s assume you make it onto your roof and know about where a leak is coming from. This won’t be incredibly difficult to
identify, but the one thing to keep in mind is gravity.
If you went in the attic and located where water is dripping from, keep in mind that just because the water is dripping from one spot, doesn’t mean the origin of the leak is in the same spot. There’s a high probability that the leak is higher on the roof, so keep your eyes open for some tattletales:
- Discolored, damaged, broken, or missing shingles
- Exposed or missing roofing nails
- Cracked or damaged attic vents or turbines
- Bent or broken ridge vents
- Clogged or damaged gutters/downspouts
- Chimney and dormer flashings
The Moral of the Story — Don’t Wait This Out
If you’ve found a roof leak, you’re going to want to get a qualified, professional roofer to assist you as soon as possible. Waiting to make roof repairs means bad news in the long run.
You’ll face higher repair costs (as damage will continue to get worse,) your roof’s structural integrity will deteriorate, and you’ll run the risk of breathing and health issues, as wet insulation and sheetrock breed mold and mildew.
Thankfully, the experts at Buildpro have been in the roofing game for years. They have enough experience and certifications to guarantee you some of the best roofing repairs in the industry.
We always offer free consultations and estimates, so if you think it’s time to get some roofing repairs done, reach out to us and we’ll get it patched right up!