If you have access to the attic, the easiest way to locate a leak is to go there with a flashlight and look for evidence. There will be water spots, black marks, or mold. But if access is a problem or you have a vaulted roof, you'll need to climb to the roof and examine the suspects. In most cases, you find out about a roof leak when you see a water stain on the ceiling.
To locate the source of the problem, go up to your attic and try to overcome the stain on the ceiling. If you have an attic, the easiest way to detect the leak is to go up there on a rainy day. The water will reflect the light, so bring a flashlight. Once you locate the source of the water, mark the area.
On a good day, ask an assistant to touch the mark while you're on the roof. After determining the location on the outside of the roof, apply new roofing cement or shingles as needed. Finding a professional roof leak detection company or roofer in your area can also help you save time and money. Before calling your roofer to fix the problem, you should rule out the possibility of other types of leaks.
If you think there may be a leak in your roof, check the inside and outside of your property for these 20 signs and ask yourself these questions about the inside and outside condition of your roof. As always, if you have any questions, ask your insurance agent or a reputable roofing company. Then give your roofers the measurement so that they have a starting point when inspecting the roof. You can contact a professional roofer through the IKO Contractor Locator to get the support you need to find and repair your roof leak.
While you shouldn't do it yourself, you may be curious to know what your roofer is looking for and what parts of your roof could be causing the leak. If you've noticed a leak in the ceiling and are trying to discover the source, checking these standard weak spots is a good place to start. If you're struggling and trying to mitigate your roof until a roofer arrives, Flex Seal for roof leaks may be an alternative option. However, if you want to understand the process of how to find a hidden roof leak before your roofer arrives, read on for some tips and answers to common questions about what can cause a leak.
If you're comfortable climbing a ladder to the ceiling, be sure to check each and every vent, chimney, skylight, and seam for signs of water damage or water buildup. Often, the leak will be next to an obvious roof feature, making it easier for roofers to locate them when they are on top of the roof. Be very careful when stepping on so you don't fall off the roof, but when checking for a leak, it's important to research your attic. A roofer can tell you if the roof is not the source of the leak and what type of professional to call next.
A professional roofer can help you determine if the condensation you find is due to a leak or ventilation problems. Consult your insurance policy and get a quote from a contractor if you have damage around roof vents, chimney, or other construction and locations that you think will require more extensive work than you can do yourself.
