How To Find A Shingle Roof Leak

Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along.

How to find a shingle roof leak. Start in the attic. Examine the roofing closely for signs of the leak at the location you measured. Identifying the true location of roof leaks in the attic. Look for any exposed roofing nails.

Look for discoloration on wood sheathing or rafters caused by water. Water testing for roof leaks 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. Inspect the underside of the roof for objects that have pierced it or have been attached to it. We ll cover some of the most common causes for roof leaks below.

Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed. Once you locate the source of the water mark the area. And exposed misplaced roofing repair nails should be pulled and the holes patched. Patch the nail or screw holes by slipping a piece of roof flashing underneath the shingle.

Tiny holes in shingles are sneaky because they can cause rot a leaky roof and other damage for years before you notice the obvious signs of a leak. On a nice day have a helper tap on the mark while you re on the roof. After the rain has stopped and it s sunny outside examine the exterior of your roof to look for problem areas that may be causing the leak. Small nail holes left behind from old vents satellite dish brackets or anything previously attached to the roof can allow water to enter and cause damage for years before leaking is noticed.

You might find holes left over from a satellite dish or antenna mounting brackets or just about anything. To do this one person goes onto the roof with a garden hose. If you find any exposed roofing nails there is a good chance this can be a leaking point. Roofing nails are found under the flap of the previous row of shingles.

If the paper towel picks up water shine a. The other person goes inside the attic with a bucket and a strong light. Find a roof leak when it s not raining.