Even the tiniest roof leak can harm your home. And if it will go unfixed for too much time it can lead to mold growth, which is not only gross but also potentially dangerous to your health. That’s why locating the source of your roof leak and getting it fixed ASAP should be your top priority.
How to find a roof leak – Follow these five steps to find your leak fast and get it repaired quickly.
1: Look for the First Indicators of a Roof Leak
Usually, the first indicators of a roof leak are the sight and sound of dripping water. However, there are other telltale indicators you’re likely to discover, regardless of whether it’s raining or not. These include:
- Musty odors in certain rooms.
- Water spots on your roof.
- Areas on your external walls.
- Bulging areas on your interior wall space.
- Missing or warped shingles.
These signs may indicate a potential leak someplace in your roofing. Sadly, the first place you see it could not actually let you know where in fact the leak is. For your, you should do a bit more investigation.
2: Check Your Attic
The next phase to locating your roof leak is to seize a torch and climb up into the attic. Watch where you step to avoid placing a gap through your roof. You ought to be looking for drinking water stains, mildew or dark marks along the rafters and roofing sheathing.
In some instances, small water spots may be triggered by exposed fingernails. When wetness from the flooring below fits the cool air in the attic, it condenses on the toe nail during the night and then melts throughout the day when it warms up. You can certainly fix this by clipping the toenail below the top with a set of pliers.
3: Make It Rain
If you can’t find your roof leak with a quick inspection, then it’s time to perform a rain dance. Enlist a helper to stay inside the house near the spot where you first noticed the leak. Then, go up on your roof with a garden hose and soak your roof one section at a time. Have your helper shout once they see a drip.
Move slowly from one section to the other, spending several minutes in each area. This will help narrow down the source of your roof leak. If your helper sees a drip, but can’t find the exact place where it’s via, start tearing up shingles in the suspected area. You’ll quickly find proof by means of water discolorations, or even rotting timber.
4: Make Fixes Where You Are Able To
With regards to the location of your leak, there are extensive potential fixes you can certainly do yourself if you have the various tools and know-how. Here are some common ways to avoid a roof leak:
- Replace Damaged Shingles: If the leak is from the damaged shingle, take away the nail keeping it set up and scrape up any staying roofing cement. Have a new shingle, lay out fresh concrete and then toe nail the substitution shingle within the exposed area.
- Reapply Caulk Around Home window Sides, Vents and Chimneys: If you discover a leak around these elements, try changing the caulk throughout the blinking. This will complete any spaces that would have opened up since the roof was last replaced.
- Fix Plumbing Vent Boots: Damaged vent boots can let water in where it shouldn’t be. You can find replacements at any hardware store. Though if the existing boot is in good shape, you may just need to replace the screws with rubber-washered ones. These will keep water from seeping in through the screw holes.
5: Call a Professional Roofer for More Complex Leaks
If the situation is beyond a simple DIY fix or entails considerable structural damage to your roof, call a professional as soon as possible. They will be able to identify the extent of your roof leak and provide repair estimates. Solutions to more complex problems may include:
- Replacing roof flashing
- Installing warmth cables
- Total roof replacements
If you do need to replace your roof, an easy disposal solution for all those shingles is a dumpster rental. You’ll be able to keep your yard clear of roofer materials and have it all removed in a matter of minutes. After all the hard work is performed, take a short while to take pleasure from your cozy, dried out home.
