As your home ages, there are many things to watch out for and address to fix a roof leak. Proper roof maintenance will help extend the life of your roof. With time, attention, and a little bit of planning, you will be able to locate and address specific issues. Catching issues add addressing them early will help reduce the level of damage you experience with your home. The first step in getting started is knowing how to locate leaks in the roof of your home.
How to Locate Leaks in the Roof of Your Home
Since the roof is the cap of your home, it is best to start at the top. The easiest way to spot a leak is to look for water damage. To start, you will want to head to your attic. You may want to take a flashlight to help make it easier to spot any damage. Start at one corner of the ceiling of your attic and work your way to the opposite corner. Keep your eye on the ceiling and light up the area with your flashlight. The goal is to search for any area that looks damp or has dried water stains. If you come across any section of the mold, this is often an indicator that moisture is getting trapped.
How to Locate the Source of the Roof Leak
While it is generally easier to spot a damaged area in your attic, that is rarely the source of the leak. It will take a little more work to try and locate the actual source of the leak. The distance from the source of the leak may vary dramatically depending on the setup of your attic and roof. Not all homes have insulation in the attic area. The insulation and beams in your attic can help divert water. This may cause the water damage to appear in a different area than the actual source of the roof leak.
Once you have located the water damage on the ceiling area of your attic, you will want to trace back any damage you see leading to the area. The damage can include water trails, deteriorated insulation, mold, or even a collection of water (if it recently rained or snowed). Tracking the damage along the interior of your home will help you locate your roof leak within a couple of feet.
Check the Roof of Your Home for Damage
After you have located the area of your roof leak inside your home, it will be time to get up on the roof and check the surrounding area on the outside. You will want to look on your roof for mold or mildew, any debris or items that could have punctured the roof or made a hole, missing tiles, or a collection of water. This should help guide you to the source of the leak.
Fix the Source of Your Roof Leak
The most difficult part is locating the source of the roof leak and addressing it promptly. The type of repair will depend on the source of the leak. At times, shingle replacements or additions can address the issue. A puncture or hole in the review may require a more involved repairing the roof leak. If it becomes difficult to locate the source or make the repair on your own, the time has come to call in professional help. Making regular maintenance and addressing issues early help with the longevity of your roof lifespan.
When looking for a professional resource or advice on your roof repair or replacement, Home Specialty Products can help you get the job done. There is a team of roofing professionals readily available to help guide you through your roof repair needs.