Finding A Roof Leak In The Attic

These fixed points can be perpendicular exterior walls a fireplace chimney or other components that extend through the finished ceiling to the attic space or roof surface.

Finding a roof leak in the attic.

Often older homes conceal various pipes and wiring behind it you might end up damaging them in your attempt to enter your attic. Have a helper stationed in the attic with a flashlight looking for moisture. One person will be outside the house with a garden hose running water over the roof. To find the source of a roof leak.

If you can t find the cause of a leak from the attic or by visual inspection on the roof surface wait for dry weather and ask a friend to help you do a water test. Even if the seemingly easiest way to find and trace the path of water coming from a roof leak is via the attic you should never attempt to open up a sealed attic by creating a hole on the ceiling. Most people assume this is caused by a leaking roof but that might not be the source. Water found in these places is commonly caused by condensation in the attic.

Head into the attic to get a good look at the underside of the roof. Run the water over the place where you think the leak might be located. Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak. Again practice safety first.

Fixing this issue can be less costly than replacing a roof but it should be addressed as soon as possible. Don t go crazy with the water. Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point. If your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier between the drywall and the attic insulation push the insulation aside and look for flow stains on the plastic often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier such as at ceiling light fixtures.

Some roof leaks are tough to locate. How to water test your roof for leaks. If you don t want to wait for rain to look for the leak try bringing the garden hose up on the roof. Be sure to start small.

Find a friend to help with the roof leak test. Here s how it works. Rainy weather causes the first type of leak to be discovered. The other person will be inside the attic watching the area for water leaks.

If dry weather prevents you from finding a roof leak spray the roof with water from a garden hose. Finding water damage on the wall or ceiling is worrying for any homeowner. Check for leaks in the spring and fall and keep an eye out for strong storms.