How To Check For Water Leaks From The Roof

Let the water run for 10 minutes to rule out each component from the bottom up.

How to check for water leaks from the roof.

Cut into your drywall to find the source of a leak. Then using a drywall saw cut along the line you just scored. First have your roofer do a visual inspection for obvious areas where water could enter your home. Use a utility knife to score a line about 10 inches 25 cm long into your drywall at the location where you see visible signs of a water leak mold discolored drywall etc.

Failing any such obvious signs check out the roof vents. If your roof is leaking right now go into the attic with a flashlight and some chalk to mark with while it s raining. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. To determine if the water leak is in the house or outdoors only for homes with meters located at the street turn off the shut off valve on your home s main water supply pipe.

If there signs of water damage or dripping water coming from the ceiling that is directly below an attic space or directly below the roof surface itself there is almost no question that the true cause is a hole or other type of damage in the shingles or other roofing material that make up the roof system. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Water runs downhill so carefully observe all areas below suspected leak s. You may see stained or discolored wood areas that will lead you to the source of the leak.

Isolate areas when you run the hose. Have one person look in the attic and one person in the home. Then do a simple water test. Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed to pierce the roof.

Start at the lowest point that the water could be entering the roof system. Also look for a thin stream of water flowing down one of the rafters. Look for damp spots on the underside of your roof. Once you locate the source of the water mark the area.

If you have an attic the easiest way to spot the leak is to up there on a rainy day. Identifying roofing system leaks. Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.

Have the roofer start introducing water at the lowest parts of the roof and work up. Identifying the true location of roof leaks in the attic. On a nice day have a helper tap on the mark while you re on the roof.