How to find Leaks in your Roof

Having a roof that leaks is a very common problem of many homeowners, especially if you live in an area that sees a lot of rain. When your roof leaks there are a lot of problems that can happen such as mold and mildew stains, damaged foundations, and water stains on the ceiling, just to name a few. Because of this it is important for you to have the knowledge of how to find the leaks in your roof.

When you do discover a leak in the roof you should not panic but simply know that it is time to fix the leaky roof. A leak can actually be a good sign as it will force you to check the leak and it is a good idea at this time to look over the entire roof to see if there are any other leaks or problems. Fixing a leak in your roof is not very expensive and it does not take a lot of time.

The first thing you need to find is the source of the leak. There a many common places where you can find the leak. Some of the more common locations of leaks are fields of shingles, valleys or low spots in the roof, skylights, chimneys, ice dams, flashings (plumbing vent, wall-step, furnace, and B-step), and areas where there are missing shingles.

The first tell-tale sign that your roof is leaking is there will be wet ceiling tiles. If this is the case the source of the leak can, many times, be discovered by tracing the leak backwards to its source on the roof. You should know that the source of the leak can be quite a distance away from the point the water is dripping into your home.

After you have found the source of the leak on your roof you can remove any items under the leak, and around it as well, that may be damaged by water. It may be the case that you need to move electronic equipment, furniture, and other materials. NOTE: Be sure to remove any electrical cords or cables from anywhere around the leak. Even if it is the case that they are not very close it is better to be safe than sorry. If the leak happens to be along a wall you may have to remove the top tiling so you will be able to get to the source of the leak. Even if this is the case, some leaks can begin further up on the roof, which can make it harder to find.

If the source of the leak is very simple to remedy such as a missing shingle then it can be as easy as just replacing the shingle. However, if the cause of the leak is more complicated it can be necessary to look into consulting a roofing professional to look over your roof. By having consulting a professional it will also make sure that there is no further damage. If it is the case that you need to get outside help, do it immediately so the damage is not compounded.

Even when there are no leaks in your roof you should still inspect it every once in a while. After heavy rain, snow, or severe weather you should inspect your roof. Simple things, like a clogged gutter, can cause the roof to spring a leak so it is also important to clean your gutters and downspouts.

Author: Jason Green