How To Inspect Your Roof For Leaks

Isolate areas when you run the hose.

How to inspect your roof for leaks.

Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed. 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. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose.

Often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier such as at ceiling light fixtures. Moisture marks brown yellow or grey stains and peeling paint on walls and or ceilings could all indicate a damaged leaking roof. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Don t go crazy with the water.

Be patient in the process and you will be able to find most leaks. The key to finding a leak is l. 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. If you don t want to wait for rain have a friend use a garden hose on the roof.

Also look for a thin stream of water flowing down one of the rafters. Inspect the underside of the roof for objects that have pierced it or have been attached to it. Review the active leak and note the surface where the leak is dripping from. Cleaning and inspecting a roof video how to find roof leaks video repairing an asphalt shingle roof video video transcript danny lipford.

Perform an indoor inspection. Be sure to start small. Inspecting your attic on a rainy day is one if the easiest ways to check for leaks. Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak.

Also take a peek in your attic where damp rafters or leaks could additionally point to roof damage. Run the water over the place where you think the leak might be located. Finding a roof leak like a pro is a process and takes time. Some roof leaks are tough to locate.

If you don t want to wait for rain to look for the leak try bringing the garden hose up on the roof. 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. Look for damp spots on the underside of your roof. If your roof is leaking right now go into the attic with a flashlight and some chalk to mark with while it s raining.