How To Find Roof Water Leaks

Find a roof leak when it s not raining.

How to find roof water leaks.

If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Look for discoloration on wood sheathing or rafters caused by water. Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along. We ll cover some of the most common causes for roof leaks below.

After the rain has stopped and it s sunny outside examine the exterior of your roof to look for problem areas that may be causing the leak. The other person goes inside the attic with a bucket and a strong light. Inspect the walls outside of your home for any watermarks. If you re really lucky you can locate the problem right away but that s rarely the case.

Edges of the roof are usually several inches away from the siding and walls so only roof leaks are the likely cause for water stains on the upper half of your sidings. Inspect the underside of the roof for objects that have pierced it or have been attached to it. To do this one person goes onto the roof with a garden hose. To locate the source of the problem go up into your attic and try to get above the stain in the ceiling.

Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed. On a nice day have a helper tap on the mark while you re on the roof. The presence of rust on the flashing and gaps on your siding are also good indicators of roof leaks. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.

For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. If you have an attic the easiest way to spot the leak is to up there on a rainy day. Isolate areas when you run the hose. Water testing for roof leaks if you can t find the cause of a leak from the attic or by visual inspection on the roof surface wait for dry weather and ask a friend to help you do a water test.

Once you locate the source of the water mark the area.