If your roof is leaking, it’s critical to find and fix the leak as soon as possible. Homeowners who ignore leaks for months before finally addressing result in a small problem becoming a much bigger problem, costing more time, money, and energy for the homeowner. Over time, small leaks can lead to rotted framing, damaged ceilings, ruined insulation, and other issues.
The first step in fixing a roof leak is to find the location of the leak. It may be easy to find if there has been obvious damage to your roof, but sometimes small leaks can be hard to find. Identifying leaks can present a challenge depending on the nature of the leak and its location. You may see signs of a leak inside your house, but the actual entry point of the water may be in an entirely different location.
Start in the attic
The best place to begin your search is in the attic. Use a flashlight and look for any noticeable signs of a roof leak. You will be looking for discoloration, water stains, or mold underneath the roof. Be sure to check and see there are any signs of penetration or damage to the roof.
Check the insulation
An additional way to locate a leak is to see if there is sign of water damage to the insulation. If there is an observable amount of deterioration in a specific section, it may be from water damage. You may need to move the insulation for further inspection.
Inspect the roof vents
If you are unsuccessful at locating the leak, try inspecting the roof vents. One of the more common causes of leaks is a deteriorated vent boot. The vent boot provides a seal for vent pipes but can eventually crack or become damaged, especially from hailstorms or stormy weather.
Recreating leak conditions
As a last-ditch option, you may need to recreate the conditions for a leak. This will take at least two people. Take a hose onto the roof and spray water onto various sections of the roof. Another person will be inside the attic, equipped with a bucket and flashlight, looking for the water and identifying the leak.
Safety first
When investigating to location of a leak, use caution in the attic and on the roof. Make certain you are only stepping on stabilized flooring, ceiling joists or beams while in the attic. If inspecting the roof from the outside, you will want to have a proper ladder and safety equipment. Allow for appropriate weather before climbing onto a roof. See here for additional safety suggestions:
https://experthomereport.com/safety-when-working-on-a-roof/
Contact a roofing professional
If you find a leak or are unable to identify the source, you will want to talk to a reputable roofing company. They will be able assist in finding the leak, assessing the damage, and fix any problems as a result of the leak. Having an inspection done each year help to make sure any problems are addressed proactively.
The pros at Modern Blu Austin
Austin are here to help with any leaks you may have. If you live in the Leander, Cedar Park, or Lago Vista areas and suspect you may have a leak call our professionals at Modern Blu Austin at 469-546-7636, or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to provide a free roof inspection!