How To Inspect Your Roof For Leaks

Perform an indoor inspection.

How to inspect your roof for leaks.

If you don t want to wait for rain to look for the leak try bringing the garden hose up on the roof. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. If your roof is leaking right now go into the attic with a flashlight and some chalk to mark with while it s raining. Isolate areas when you run the hose.

Run the water over the place where you think the leak might be located. Inspecting your attic on a rainy day is one if the easiest ways to check for leaks. Be sure to start small. Be patient in the process and you will be able to find most leaks.

Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed. Cleaning and inspecting a roof video how to find roof leaks video repairing an asphalt shingle roof video video transcript danny lipford. Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak. Looking for roof leaks on the outside of your house.

Finding a roof leak like a pro is a process and takes time. Don t go crazy with the water. 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. On a day like this when the spring showers are moving in you can feel pretty good about having a roof over your head.

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. 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. Also take a peek in your attic where damp rafters or leaks could additionally point to roof damage.

Some roof leaks are tough to locate. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Moisture marks brown yellow or grey stains and peeling paint on walls and or ceilings could all indicate a damaged leaking roof.

Often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier such as at ceiling light fixtures. 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. Unless of course you ve got a pesky roof leak that you just can t find.