Finding and Fixing a Leaky Roof

As the cold and wet weather approaches, homes become more and more susceptible to leaky roofs. This influx of water can be frustrating for homeowners trying to locate the exact origin of the problem. Fortunately, this article will provide you with all the tools you need!

How to Find and Fix a Roof Leak

Often times, it is very difficult to find the exact location of where the leak originates. In order to solve this problem, you have to think how water travels. Water usually will enter through worn or broken shingles, loose nails, or corroded flashing around vents. After water passes through this initial layer, it will flow along the sheathing, roof rafters, or the upper portion of ceilings and eventually drip down into your home.

In order to find the origin of a roof leak, you should look during the day when everything is well lit. Go up into your attic with a flashlight and start by looking at where the dripping is coming from and follow the trail up along the framing members.

If you aren’t able to visually see where the origin of the roof leak is, grab a friend and perform some water tests! You will need two people, a bucket, a hose and a strong light. Have one person go on the roof with the hose while the other person stays in the attic with the flashlight and bucket. The person on the roof will then start flooding the roof with water, starting at the eaves (bottom region) and working up-roof until the person in the attic sees the leak. Once the leak is visibly located, have the person in the attic push a nail up through the hole in order to mark its location. The person on the roof can also mark that spot with chalk if necessary.

Fixing a leaky roof will depend on the severity of damage. However, if your leak is caused by a hole you can temporarily fix it by using a 12×12 galvanized sheet metal flashing. You want to lift the damaged shingle up with one hand and slide the sheet metal in over the hole with your other hand. You may need to pry up a few roofing nails in order to accomplish this.

Contact HomeGuard Sacramento, Bay Area, Central Valley and Novato Areas for your Roof Inspection Needs.

For professional help, contact HomeGuard, a termite, home and roof inspection company with service coverage areas all over Northern California. Call us at 855-331-1900 or visit our website here for a free quote!