How To Detect Roof Water Leaks

Decide between diy or professional repair.

How to detect roof water leaks. Because you don t have access to your attic where you can look at the roof s underside the only options for you to find roof leaks are to focus on visual signs namely watermarks and water actually dripping down and inspecting your roof. If you don t have an attic or just can t find the source of the leak you can check several places for problems with moisture or damage. Find a roof leak head into the attic to get a good look at the underside of the roof. Using a stable ladder gain access to your.

Find a roof leak when it s not raining start in the attic. When the roof is dry go on the roof and transfer the measurements to the roof allowing for any overhang on the end of the roof. Water stains will often appear darker due to wood rot mildew or mold. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.

The underside of your roof may be obscured by. Using a thermal imaging camera and under the right circumstances it s possible to find hidden water and moisture issues without resorting to destructive testing. Isolate areas when you run the hose. Arm yourself with a flashlight and head up to the.

If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Look for discoloration on wood sheathing or rafters caused by water. While small areas of damage or a single puncture to a roofing shingle can be.

There are many sources of building moisture including humidity during any season. Inspect the underside of the roof for. Measure down from the roof peak to the highest point of the leak and over from a gable end to the leak. This temperature differential between areas of wet underlayment and dry underlayment is what the infrared technician is looking for in order to locate the source of roof leaks.

Instructions identify the location of the roof damage. The moisture laden materials below the roof surface retain heat longer than the areas of dry underlayment and decking. If you have access to the attic space enter the attic and look for the spot. Examine the roofing closely for signs of the leak at the location you measured.

Water leaks and moisture infiltration can cause serious damage to a house or building and can be difficult to detect until it s already too late.