Are you noticing a leak coming from your roof but can’t precisely identify where the problem is? We can assure you it has probably happened to all of us.
While it is easy enough to identify a water stain on the ceiling and mold growing in spots, it can be hard to tell where the leak begins once it hits the insulation in your home.
Finding where the leak beings can be tricky, but our team at Stanley Insurance Agency has created steps that will help you detect where it is coming from and stop the leak before the damage gets any worse for your home.
The First Place to Look for a Leak: The Attic
The first thing you need to look for is roof penetrations. Get your flashlight ready and head upstairs to your attic. Be sure to stay aware of where you step if your flooring is not set correctly.
Use your flashlight to look at the underside of your roof. A great start to finding out if there is any water damage is if there is a musty odor in the attic.
Look for areas on the underside that are darker than the surrounding roof sheathing. Keeping an eye out for mold is another excellent tip to finding out if your roof is leaking. If you find a patch of mold, there is a good chance your roof has been leaking, as mold thrives on moisture and will linger longer with precipitation.
If you’re having a difficult time finding a roof leak because of dry weather, you can always create your storm to find the stem of the leak. Two individuals must be involved in this process. One of the individuals must go onto the roof with a garden hose while the other person remains in the attic with the flashlight. The person on the roof must water down each section of the roof as the other examines the roof’s underside for any leakage.
Creating a downpour will help you firsthand see how your roof withstands or doesn’t withstand the conditions of a natural storm.
Check for Damaged Insulation
Insulation on the underside of your roof will help you find the roof leak. Insulation deteriorates quicker and more noticeably than wood does.
If you see any damage to some part of the insulation, keep in mind that the stem of the leak may be several feet on the other side of the insulation because it redirected the rainwater from the stem of the hole.
Closing in On the Source
Start by carefully removing the insulation that is adjacent to the spot you notice is showing signs of a leak. Removing the insulation will help you to follow the path of the water. Start from the damaged area and follow it where the entry point of the water is in the roof. You must wear appropriate protective gear while removing insulation.
An object such as an errant nail that has managed its way through your roof can cause a leak. If there is not a visible sign as to why your roof is leaking, you should also check your roof vents. You can find these vents near ridges or gable ends, and sometimes both. Unfortunately, over time, seals around the vents will weaken, which allows the rainwater to seep into your home.
Get Your Roof Repaired
The worst thing that can happen when your roof starts to leak is if you allow it to get worse. Once you have located where the leak begins, contact our team at Stanley Insurance immediately. We’ll be sure to help you with anything you need regarding the leak in your roof.