Finding Small Roof Leaks

Have a helper stationed in the attic with a flashlight looking for moisture.

Finding small roof leaks. This can be a big help in locating a leak source. The vast majority of roof coverings operate using the principal of gravity. Run the water over the place where you think the leak might be located. If you don t want to wait for rain to look for the leak try bringing the garden hose up on the roof.

Their effects can linger long after the repair has been made in the form of mold growth on the interior surfaces of your home. One person will be outside the house with a garden hose running water over the roof. Finding the source of some leaks is easy. Here s how it works.

Maybe a new roof is in the near future and it seems like a folly to bother with a leak. Top 10 causes of roof leaks how to find and fix common roof leaks. The other person will be inside the attic watching the area for water leaks. Find a friend to help with the roof leak test.

The good news is that many issues with roof leaks commonly found in homes can be easily repaired. Don t go crazy with the water. The dripping wet result of a roof leak is obvious but finding the actual location of a leak can be a challenge. Be sure to start small.

Roof leaks present multiple challenges for homeowners. This guide will give you some tips on how to find a roof leak and how to fix a leaky roof. 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. Roof leaks can be cause by missing shingles gaps in the metal flashing around chimneys and vent pipes or small holes in the roofing.

They never occur at a time which is convenient and they can lead to significant damage to the interior of your home. Tracking down the leak is the hard part. A leak may actually be eight to 10 feet sideways from where you see the wet ceiling or spot in the attic. 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.

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 underside of your roof may be obscured by insulation and that s actually helpful for finding the roof leak. Insulation deteriorates more noticeably and more quickly than wood does. During a heavy storm strong wind gusts can tear off shingles and cause leaks.

How to water test your roof for leaks. Again practice safety first. However horizontal roof boards can trick you.