How To Find A Leak In An Asphalt Shingle Roof

Check for any signs of light coming through the plywood to find any obvious holes.

How to find a leak in an asphalt shingle roof.

If you cannot find any problems with your roof s shingles and all the roof flashings seem to be intact then check to see if your roof has a sufficient pitch for an asphalt roof. If you find a shingle lying in your garden chances are the next rainstorm will be sending water into your house. Look for discoloration on wood sheathing or rafters caused by water. Climb inside the attic in the area where the roof is leaking.

Find a roof leak when it s not raining start in the attic. Measure down from the roof peak to the highest point of the leak and over from a gable end to the leak. The dripping wet result of a roof leak is obvious but finding the actual location of a leak can be a challenge. Replacing a shingle is a matter of prying off the nails from the course below and sliding the new shingle into place.

In some cases there is merely a lack of sufficient ventilation in the attic which causes there to be an abundance of moisture. When the roof is dry go on the roof and transfer the measurements to the roof allowing for any overhang on the end of the roof. Nail the newcomer down securely and then re nail its neighbors. If your roof s pitch is less than 3 to 12 then it is likely that your roof is subject to leaks due to a wind driven rainwater.

Examine the roofing closely for signs of the leak at the location you measured. This can look very much like a roof leak even though the roof can be completely solid. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. You might also like to read our one of the most read blog post on how to repair asphalt shingles and roof leaks.

For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along. Water stains will often appear darker due to wood rot mildew or mold. Isolate areas when you run the hose.

Identifying the true location of roof leaks in the attic. If you have an attic the easiest way to spot the leak is to up there on a rainy day. During a heavy storm strong wind gusts can tear off shingles and cause leaks. Use the flashlight to check for any water trails or.