Finding A Roof Leak In The Attic

How to water test your roof for leaks.

Finding a roof leak in the attic.

Even if the seemingly easiest way to find and trace the path of water coming from a roof leak is via the attic you should never attempt to open up a sealed attic by creating a hole on the ceiling. Rainy weather causes the first type of leak to be discovered. Most people assume this is caused by a leaking roof but that might not be the source. Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point.

Be sure to start small. One person will be outside the house with a garden hose running water over the roof. Again practice safety first. Some roof leaks are tough to locate.

These fixed points can be perpendicular exterior walls a fireplace chimney or other components that extend through the finished ceiling to the attic space or roof surface. Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak. Don t go crazy with the water. The other person will be inside the attic watching the area for water leaks.

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. Once you have determined that the leak is caused by a roof related issue measure the location of the leak in the living space from two fixed points. If the leak isn t obvious have a helper watch in the attic while you get on the roof with a garden hose. Often older homes conceal various pipes and wiring behind it you might end up damaging them in your attempt to enter your attic.

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. Find a friend to help with the roof leak test. Check for leaks in the spring and fall and keep an eye out for strong storms. To find the source of a roof leak.

Fixing this issue can be less costly than replacing a roof but it should be addressed as soon as possible. Run the water over the place where you think the leak might be located. Water leaks occur through roof failure ice dams and water condensation or frost build up inside an attic. Water found in these places is commonly caused by condensation in the attic.

Finding water damage on the wall or ceiling is worrying for any homeowner. Head into the attic to get a good look at the underside of the roof. Here s how it works.