Finding Small Roof Leaks

Here s how it works.

Finding small roof leaks.

A leak may actually be eight to 10 feet sideways from where you see the wet ceiling or spot in the attic. Again practice safety first. But even a small out of the way drip in a house that seems like nothing more than an inconvenience is a major repair bill waiting to happen. Even a small roof leak can cause significant damage to a home so it s important to find and correct a problem as soon as it s noticed on the ceiling.

The dripping wet result of a roof leak is obvious but finding the actual location of a leak can be a challenge. Find a friend to help with the roof leak test. Run the water over the place where you think the leak might be located. During a heavy storm strong wind gusts can tear off shingles and cause leaks.

How to water test your roof for leaks. The vast majority of roof coverings operate using the principal of gravity. Tracking down the leak is the hard part. But if you live in the snow belt and in the winter you have leaks only on warm or sunny days you probably have ice dams.

The roof leak repair is usually pretty easy. However horizontal roof boards can trick you. Insulation deteriorates more noticeably and more quickly than wood does. If you don t want to wait for rain to look for the leak try bringing the garden hose up on the roof.

Roof leaks present multiple challenges for homeowners. Maybe a new roof is in the near future and it seems like a folly to bother with a leak. Be sure to start small. The other person will be inside the attic watching the area for water leaks.

Their effects can linger long after the repair has been made in the form of mold growth on the interior surfaces of your home. This guide will give you some tips on how to find a roof leak and how to fix a leaky roof. The source of a leak often isn t obvious on the roof itself and it can be hard to pinpoint since the water may run down the roof decking and rafters before dripping onto the ceiling below. The good news is that many issues with roof leaks commonly found in homes can be easily repaired.

The underside of your roof may be obscured by insulation and that s actually helpful for finding the roof leak. They never occur at a time which is convenient and they can lead to significant damage to the interior of your home. Finding the source of some leaks is easy. This can be a big help in locating a leak source.

Roof leaks can be cause by missing shingles gaps in the metal flashing around chimneys and vent pipes or small holes in the roofing. Top 10 causes of roof leaks how to find and fix common roof leaks. Have a helper stationed in the attic with a flashlight looking for moisture.