When it comes to having a leaky roof, it can be hard to find where it originates, just because it appears to be leaking in one particular spot, does not mean that that is where the leak is. The words “roof leak” isn’t something that a homeowner wants to hear. Will you have to replace your whole roof? Call a professional? Or can you just do it yourself?
If you find that you have water stains running down the walls, or going across the ceilings of your house, then the most likely cause is a leaking roof. If you notice something like this happening, then you should fix it as soon as possible. Even if the leak is small, it can soon become a big problem. The main issue with water, is the fact that water tends to travel and often the damage might take place far from the source, which makes finding the leak hard to track.
Finding a Leak from Inside Your Home
If you notice that there is a leak in your room, then the first obvious place that you should look at is the attic. You should use a flashlight to check the underside of the roof. You should check for signs of any light coming through the plywood to see if there are any holes. A big indication of where a leak is, is if there are areas of black mold. Mold thrives on moisture, so if you see an area of mold, then it’s probably because there is a leak situated nearby.
In some cases, the leak might be caused by something as simple as a roofing nail. If the nail hasn’t been embedded into the rafter properly, then it will protrude into the attic. If you can’t find the problem though, then it might be worthwhile getting a friend involved to help you out. One of you can go up on the roof with a garden hose, whilst the other goes inside and sees if there are any leakages inside. If you can’t see anything from the inside, then maybe you should look for the leak on your rooftop.
Finding a Leak on your Rooftop
If you are unable to find a leak inside your home, then your next best step is to go on top of your rooftop and look for one there. One of the most common causes of a leak on your roof is normally due to things like plumbing, chimney vents, exhaust flues and dormers letting water in. As with anything, the older it gets the more likely it needs to be replaced.
When it comes to things like flashing and seals around these items, they might have actually weakened and come loose around the object, which allows rain and snow to come into the house. You need to examine these properly to see if they are the culprit. However, there are more obvious things that can mean you have a leaky roof. For example, things like missing or aging shingles, holes, or clogged gutters can be an obvious sign to why (and where) you have a leaky roof.
When All Else Fails Call a Professional
If you still can’t find the leak, then it’s probably time to call in the professionals. You may need to have a professional roofing contractor help diagnose your leak issue. They should be able to find the leak and fix it. This is a nice easy solution and means that you don’t have to worry about spending your time trying to find something, that could take you all day (particularly if you don’t know what you are doing).
To help prevent leaks from occurring on your roof, you should also make sure to do yearly roof inspections during the spring and summer. This way, if you notice that there is an issue somewhere, you can quickly (and cheaply) get it fixed. Compared to leaving it for the long run and then having a bigger problem on your hands.
You’ll find that doing preventative measures means that you’ll hopefully reduce the likelihood of a leaky roof, but you will also find that your roof will last longer. This is why it is worth getting your roof checked over instead of leaving it to the elements. For more tips on fixing a roof though, you can check out this guide here on what to do next concerning a leaky roof.