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How To Find A Roof Leak

A leaky roof can quickly turn from a minor annoyance into a major problem. Locating the source of the leak and dealing with it as soon as possible can save you time, money, and further damage to your home. Let's explore how to find a roof leak so you can act before it becomes a major issue.

refinished roof with GAF HDZ Charcoal Roofing Shingles

5 Signs of a Roof Leak

Before you begin your search, it’s important to recognize the signs of a roof leak. Especially if you’re dealing with recent storm damage, these 5 signs will help you find where the leak might be coming from.

  1. Water stains on your ceiling or walls are one of the most obvious telltale signs of a leaky roof. These stains often appear as yellowish-brown rings or spots.
  2. A musty smell or mold growth in certain areas of your home can also signal a roof leak. Mold grows in damp environments, so its presence could indicate water is seeping in from the roof.
  3. Damaged shingles on your roof are another clue. Missing, cracked, or shingles curled up at the edges are vulnerable spots where water can seep in.
  4. Signs of water in your attic, like damp insulation or puddling, can appear beneath a roof leak.
  5. Peeling paint or wallpaper, especially along the top of walls or ceilings, can indicate problems with moisture. Water leaking from the roof can cause paint or wallpaper to bubble or peel as it damages the surface below.
Water Leak In Bathroom Ceiling

Common Areas Where Roof Leaks Occur

Roof leaks can happen anywhere, but some spots on your roof are more likely to have problems. Knowing where to look can help you find and fix the leak faster.

  • Shingles: Shingles are the outer layer of your roof that you can see. They protect your home from the elements. If shingles get cracked, curled, or lose their rough surface, they can let water in. Even small issues with shingles can lead to a leaky roof.
  • Flashing: Flashing is the thin metal strips that cover the edges and joints where different parts of the roof meet, including areas around chimneys, skylights, and vents. If the flashing gets rusty, cracks, or comes loose, water can sneak in through the gaps.
  • Gutters: Gutters are the channels along the edge of your roof that carry rainwater away from your home. If gutters get clogged with leaves or other debris, or if they become damaged, water can overflow. Overflowing water can seep under the shingles, causing roof leaks.
  • Plumbing vents: Plumbing vents are pipes that stick up from your roof to let air into the plumbing system in your home and they have seals around them to keep water out.Over time, these seals could crack or wear out, especially if they’re exposed to harsh weather. If this happens, water can start to leak through the roof and around the vent.
  • Roof valleys: Roof valleys are the areas where two sections of your roof meet at an angle, forming a V-shape. Because these areas deal with a lot of water flow, valleys are more likely to have leaks if they aren’t sealed properly. This could happen if the roofing materials the valley area become damaged or if they weren’t installed properly.
Attic with Roof Leak

How to Find a Leak in Roof Systems

This process of finding the source of a roof leak can be challenging since water can travel along beams or other structures before dripping onto your ceiling. Consider these areas when trying to find a roof leak.

The most obvious areas to inspect further are where you’ve noticed signs of water or water damage. The goal is to trace the water back to where it entered from on the roof.
-In the attic, you can look for water stains along the rafters or damage to the insulation. Be sure to check around potential entrance areas, including common culprits like chimneys, plumbing vents, and other roof openings.
-Use a flashlight to identify any damaged vents or areas where light is shining through, as this can be a sign of a hole or gap in the roof.

Next, it’s time to inspect the roof from the outside. While it is always advised to have a professional do this for you, such as ProShield Roofing. If you’re comfortable doing this, you’ll typically need to use a ladder to carefully climb onto your roof. It’s important to always prioritize safety and consider having a friend nearby in case of emergencies. Check for signs of damage, like damaged shingles, which are a common entry point for water. Examine the area where exterior walls meet your roof. Cracks or gaps in the siding along the roofline can allow water to enter your home.

How to Fix a Roof Leak

Once you’ve found the source, it’s time to fix the leak! Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to handle the repairs yourself, or you might need to call in a professional.

Tarping:
The most common temporary fix is to secure a tarp over the suspected area. If the roof leak is very large or you can’t pinpoint the exact source, covering the area with a tarp is a reliable yet temporary solution. Use a heavy-duty, waterproof tarp that’s large enough to cover the entire suspected area, plus a few feet beyond that for full coverage. Secure the tarp in place with roofing nails or bricks to make sure it’s taut; this makes it possible for additional water to run off rather than pool on top.

While you might use a temporary fix to address a roof leak, you must invest in permanent repairs. Some homeowners may try to do these repairs themselves, though it’s important to understand that roofing work can be complex, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous. That’s why we recommend calling ProShield Roofing for professional roofing contractors. Here’s what to expect with permanent roof repairs after a roof leak.

Replace Damaged Shingles:
Replacing damaged shingles might seem straightforward, but it requires expert attention to detail to avoid causing any more damage to your roof. Professional roofers have the experience and tools necessary to perform this task quickly and correctly so that your roof stays fully protected. Plus, our roofers can inspect the surrounding areas for any other issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Repair or Replace Flashing:
Flashing repair or replacement is a job best left to professionals. Poor installation or repair can lead to water seepage and significant damage over time. Professional roofers are skilled at removing old flashing without damaging the surrounding roofing materials and can install new flashing to ensure a watertight seal.

Seal Plumbing Vents:
While sealing or replacing plumbing vents might seem manageable for DIYers, the process is more complicated than it appears. Installing new rubber boots or applying sealant requires a strong understanding of how to create a watertight seal without negatively affecting the roof’s integrity.

refinished roof with GAF HDZ Harvest Blend Roofing Shingles

ProShield Roofing Can Help with Roof Leaks

A leaky roof can be a nightmare for homeowners, and ProShield is here to help! Contact ProShield Roofing today for a free roof inspection and quality repairs you can trust. Our experienced team is ready to treat roof leaks and help you protect your home with expert roofing services.