Finding A Roof Leak In The Attic

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.

Finding a roof leak in the attic.

Rainy weather causes the first type of leak to be discovered. Find a friend to help with the roof leak test. Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak. 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. Be sure to start small. Finding water damage on the wall or ceiling is worrying for any homeowner. To find the source of a roof leak.

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. Again practice safety first. Most people assume this is caused by a leaking roof but that might not be the source. Check for leaks in the spring and fall and keep an eye out for strong storms.

Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point. If dry weather prevents you from finding a roof leak spray the roof with water from a garden hose. The other person will be inside the attic watching the area for water leaks. Head into the attic to get a good look at the underside of the roof.

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. Have a helper stationed in the attic with a flashlight looking for moisture. 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. How to water test your roof for leaks.

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. One person will be outside the house with a garden hose running water over the roof. Fixing this issue can be less costly than replacing a roof but it should be addressed as soon as possible.

Here s how it works. Don t go crazy with the water. Often older homes conceal various pipes and wiring behind it you might end up damaging them in your attempt to enter your attic.