Roof leaks can be hard to find, since they often run down the underside of sheathing or rafters to show up far from their actual source. The best time to try and find a leak is when it’s raining outside, or you can also mimic rain conditions by spraying water on the roof.
Go in the attic and look for damp spots or water stains, trace them back to their highest point, then examine that part of the roof for any potential problems.
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September 2nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
What about leaky roofs that don’t have any attic or crawl space between the ceiling and the roof? How do I find those leaks? One is in my kitchen, and there are 3 on the front porch.
joe t. Says:September 2nd, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Hi Ciara, I assume you’re talking about cathedral ceilings, where the drywall is attached directly to the underside of the roof rafters. In that case, you’ll have to inspect the roof from the outside to find the source of the leak. However, it’s important to do the inspection while standing safely on the ground. Use binoculars, if necessary, and carefully scan the entire roof. Look for missing or cracked shingles, damaged ridge vent, and rotted or badly bent metal flashing around vent pipes, chimneys, dormers and sidewalls. If you see anything suspicious, call a roofing contractor. And remember, it doesn’t take much for water to leak in. A single ripped or missing shingle will compromise the weatherproofness of the roof. Thanks for writing and good luck!–Joe T.