Finding Small Roof Leaks

Roof leaks present multiple challenges for homeowners.

Finding small roof leaks.

The dripping wet result of a roof leak is obvious but finding the actual location of a leak can be a challenge. Here s how it works. Don t go crazy with the water. One person will be outside the house with a garden hose running water over the roof.

We ll show you some simple tricks for finding and repairing most of the common types of leaky roofs. The underside of your roof may be obscured by insulation and that s actually helpful for finding the roof leak. Have a helper stationed in the attic with a flashlight looking for moisture. 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.

The vast majority of roof coverings operate using the principal of gravity. The good news is that many issues with roof leaks commonly found in homes can be easily repaired. A leak may actually be eight to 10 feet sideways from where you see the wet ceiling or spot in the attic. Find a friend to help with the roof leak test.

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. Maybe a new roof is in the near future and it seems like a folly to bother with a leak. Roof leaks can be cause by missing shingles gaps in the metal flashing around chimneys and vent pipes or small holes in the roofing. During a heavy storm strong wind gusts can tear off shingles and cause leaks.

Insulation deteriorates more noticeably and more quickly than wood does. Finding the source of some leaks is easy. The other person will be inside the attic watching the area for water leaks. If you don t want to wait for rain to look for the leak try bringing the garden hose up on the roof.

How to water test your roof for leaks. Tracking down the leak is the hard part. This guide will give you some tips on how to find a roof leak and how to fix a leaky roof. This can be a big help in locating a leak source.

Run the water over the place where you think the leak might be located. However horizontal roof boards can trick you. Again practice safety first. They never occur at a time which is convenient and they can lead to significant damage to the interior of your home.

Their effects can linger long after the repair has been made in the form of mold growth on the interior surfaces of your home. Top 10 causes of roof leaks how to find and fix common roof leaks. Be sure to start small.