How to find a roof leak for a free checklist click here.
How to test existing roof for leakage.
How to find a leak in a roof may be the hardest part of fixing a leaky roof.
By gary hedstrom peg hedstrom judy ondrla tremore.
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.
The other person will be inside the attic watching the area for water leaks.
Check plumbing vent boots and roof vents if water is entering from that area to cause the leaking roof.
Some roof leaks are tough to locate.
The drainage path of test water on lower areas of roof or walls must be tested to be certain they do not contain the leak location.
Roof leaks present multiple challenges for homeowners.
Again practice safety first.
One person will be outside the house with a garden hose running water over the roof.
Look for cracks in the base of flexible rubber flashing or broken seams in metal varieties of vent pipe flashing the rubber gasket that surrounds the vent pipe could be rotted.
The spray testing is started at the point of lowest elevation below an area of suspected leakage.
Find a friend to help with the roof leak test.
They never occur at a time which is convenient and they can lead to significant damage to the interior of your home.
Their effects can linger long after the repair has been made in the form of mold growth on the interior surfaces of your home.
How to water test your roof for leaks.
You may need to perform a water test.