The roof is your home or business’s primary line of defense against several elements, one of which is moisture invading the home and causing everything from minor issues to major water damage. Perhaps the most common issue with roofs for any building type is the formation of leaks, which can happen due to small or large damage issues.
At The Roof Doctor, our team is always available for roof repairs if your roof is experiencing a leak of any kind. As a home or business owner, you can do yourself – and us – a favor by being diligent about keeping track of your roof and noting if it’s experiencing any leaks as soon as possible. Here are some basic tips on locating the source of a roof leak.
Light and Visual Check
The first and simplest way to identify roof leaks is by viewing them yourself, which can generally be easily done from inside the building. Take a flashlight up to the attic, being careful about your steps if there isn’t proper flooring. Once up there, use the flashlight to look at the underside of the roof.
What you’re looking for here are areas that appear darker than the rest of the roof sheathing. These areas are often moist spots. Even if you don’t note any of these, you might find resulting mold, which has a tendency to stick around a bit longer. Mold is often a telltale sign that a leak is present in that area.
Insulation Concerns
In certain cases, the interior sections of your roof will be blocked by insulation. This is no issue, and is actually a good thing – insulation tends to wear down faster and more obviously than wood, meaning it’s often a better signal of leak presence.
If you note damage on part of the insulation, it’s important to remember that the leak itself might not be in that exact area – it could be a foot or two to either side. You’ll want to remove all insulation in that area, then follow the path of water from the area to its entry point in the roof.
Objects and Vents
In most cases, roof leaks will be caused by an object that pierces or otherwise damages the roof – think nails, branches or similar items. But in other situations, vents near ridges or gable ends might see their seals weakened over time, which allows water to leak in. If you’re sure a leak is present but can’t find it, check the vents.
Simulating a Storm
What if you’re sure you have a roof leak, but there’s been no precipitation for weeks and you can’t find it? With a partner, you can simulate a storm using nothing but a flashlight and a garden hose. While you stand in the attic with the flashlight, have the other person stand on the roof with the hose and wet it down section by section. As this is being done, you keep an eye on the roof itself to see what happens. There’s no simpler way to personally identify a leak.
For more on identifying home roof leaks, or to learn about any of our roof contractor services, speak to the pros at The Roof Doctor today.