How To Find a Roof Leak - 5 Steps to Finding a Roof Leak

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How To Find a Roof Leak

Roof leaks and water stains are one of the most dreaded issues a homeowner has to face. If you don’t identify the source of the leak and stop it quickly, water could cause expensive damage to your home. That’s why knowing how to find a roof leak and who to call for roof leak repairs is important. Check out our guide to finding a roof leak in five steps!

Stained ceiling

How To Find a Roof Leak in Five Steps

Step One: Look for Signs of a Leak

The first step in finding a roof leak is recognizing the signs of an issue. Roof leaks often occur after major storms, so there are several signs you should look out for if your home experiences severe weather:

  • Water stains on ceiling or walls
  • Paint bulging on ceiling or walls
  • Musty or moldy smells in your attic
  • Missing or damaged shingles

Step Two: Rule Out an Interior Leak

Water stains or bulging paint on your walls or ceiling do not immediately indicate a roof leak. That is why step two in finding a roof leak is ruling out an interior leak. Faulty piping, a malfunctioning water heater, and bathroom or kitchen faucets could be the unknown culprit of your water leak. However, if you have ruled out issues with all of the above, it is time to start identifying where your roof leak is coming from. 

Step Three: Examine Your Attic and Roof

When looking for your roof leak, start in the attic. This is where you check for water stains, pooling water, or musty odors that indicate mold. Bring a light for hard-to-see areas, and make sure you examine rafters and roof sheathing as well. 

After examining your attic and seeing signs of a leak, you can also examine your roof itself. Carefully climb a ladder and examine your roof’s surface for missing or curling shingles, cracks, or staining. You can also examine the seal around vents, chimneys, skylights, and seams for areas where water could enter. 

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Step Four: Spray Your Roof with a Water Hose

If you have completed steps one through three and still have not found the source of your roof leak, then you can take a stronger approach. Have someone stay inside to examine the attic while you spray down the roof with a water hose, one section at a time. Once the leak becomes visible inside the house, your helper can mark the area and tell you to cut the water stream. 

Step Five: Find the Leak’s Location

Once you are back inside the house with a rough idea of where the leak is coming from, you can start examining the roof’s interior for damage. Remember that common areas for a leak include the chimney, windows, and around vents or skylights. 

Last Step: Call a Professional

Although you can find the location of the leak and help prevent the spread of more damage, you may not be equipped to complete full roof repairs. That is when it is time to call a professional roofing company to serve your home. At Perimeter Roofing, we offer free roof inspections to identify the source and cause of your roof leak. We will then recommend the best next steps for roof repair or replacement. 

With locations in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama, our expert roofing contractors have seen it all when it comes to roof leaks. We are prepared to offer a full range of roof leak repair services near you, fully restoring your roof and preventing further damage to your home. Give us a call to learn more about how we can serve you!

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