Roof leaks are tricky to find and can be challenging to fix. Especially for homeowners, roof leaks pose several reasons to be worried about. Of course, you will need to know the leak’s exact location before it leads to even more complicated damages. Always remember that if the roofing problem is too complex for anyone to DIY-fix, they can always call a professional to the job correctly.
Smaller or simpler roof leaks can be fixed without the help of an expert roofer, And yes, there are certain roof leaks that you can detect yourself, and here’s how to do it.
How To Spot Roof Leaks
If you suspect roof leaks, you most probably have noticed some water stains on your walls or ceilings. The best thing to do is to start looking at where water stains are visible. The water stains can help trace the source of the leak.
- Look for penetrations or holes.
You can also try checking for any holes and other noticeable damage because the chances are great that these are what cause the leak. Penetrations that cause roof leak usually occur where there’s plumbing, around the chimneys, roof vents, dormers, and other construction that extends towards the roof. One of the most common causes of leaks is roof penetrations. However, leaks are sometimes located a few inches away, so it is important to examine the area and the entire roof to make sure that nothing gets overlooked.
- Get access to the attic.
Another thing you can do is climb up the attic for an intimate inspection. Gather your tools (aka flashlight and courage) to give you a better look glance of where the leak may be coming from. Look for pieces of evidence such as water stains, molds, discolorations, or anything that may indicate a problem.
During the day, when there’s enough natural light, use a flashlight to try to trace the leak. Search along the framing and below the roof. It is best to follow where the discoloration leads. You can better see the source of roof leaks if you switch off the lights from the inside and pinpoint the spots where outside light enters.
Different Types of Roof Leaks and Their Location
Different types of roof leaks possess different characteristics that you can easily recognize. Most of these roof leaks are caused by natural disasters or accidents, and some of them are located in the natural weak spots or are due to roofing material deterioration. These leaks can commonly include the vent pipe, roof vent, roof valleys, around the nails, skylights, the dormers, and more. Damage shingles, loose nails, and ice damming are also common causes of roof leaks. One of the most challenging roofs leak to deal with is ice damming. You will only notice the leak whenever it’s warm and the ice melts, causing water to seep through the layers of your roof.
Call a Professional Roofer
There may be types of roof leaks that can be spotted with a flashlight and a few DIY tricks, but there are some that are just too tricky for an amateur. Remember that you don’t need to figure everything out on your own, and you can always call a professional roofer for help. In case you can’t find the exact location of the roof leak but are still bothered by its signs, you may want to let Bowline Roofing know about your situation immediately. Our trained staff will never fail to guide you through the process of getting your roof professionally fixed.