When it comes to finding and repairing roof leaks, the source isn’t always obvious. Sure, you can see the results on the inside of your house: discoloration, mold, mildew, and water running down the ceiling, to name a few. But when it comes time to find the root of the problem, there’s no obvious culprit.
So, what can you do? How do you find and fix the proverbial needle in a haystack?
Three Steps to Locating a Roof Leak
Unless it happens to be raining, you aren’t going to have a clear way to find the flaw in your roof. But there are ways around that! Here are the three things you can do to identify the source of the leak:
- Shine a light on it. The best time to look for a leak is during the day. You’ll want to bring a large, bright flashlight with you, and be sure to mind your step. Only the framing timbers are strong enough to support your weight, so avoid stepping on insulation or drywall.
- Work backward. You know where the water ended up. Start there, and work your way up the roof. Ninety percent of the time, the leak isn’t directly over the spot in question. Instead, the water has traveled down the rafters and sheeting until finding a place to drip down. Look for stains and other moisture-related discolorations on the wood, and trace it back to the source.
- When all else fails, add water. If you can’t find the origin of the leak via visual inspection, wait for things to dry up. Once the weather has cleared, recruit an adventurous friend to help you with a water test. You send them up to the roof with a garden hose while you go through the attic looking for where the water enters. You’ll want them to take a systemic approach, working their way across the roof one area at a time. Once you find the hole, you can mark it with chalk or a nail; anything that makes it easier to locate when it comes time to perform actual repairs.
Repairing Roof Leaks: When to Call an Expert
The size and complexity of your problem will depend on a few factors. The roofing composition, the leak’s location, and the age of the roof all play a role in determining whether you can do-it-yourself or need expert assistance. Here are a few examples of when it’s best to leave it to the pros:
- The roof is steep
- Your house is more than two stories high
- The roof is old and disintegrating
- You don’t have the proper tools
- You don’t know how to repair a roof properly
In other words, unless you’ve done roofing before, it’s best to call a pro for the best roof repair products.
Your Roof Repair Experts in Atlanta, GA
If you’re in Atlanta and find yourself with a leaky roof, let Hopewell Roofing handle it for you. We can locate and repair the leak in short order, ensuring the roof over your head keeps you warm and dry.
Get in touch with our team of professionals at Hopewell today to get expert help repairing roof leaks.
