Finding A Roof Leak In The Attic

Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak.

Finding a roof leak in the 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. Head into the attic to get a good look at the underside of the roof. Check for leaks in the spring and fall and keep an eye out for strong storms. 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.

Be sure to start small. Don t go crazy with the water. Here s how it works. Most people assume this is caused by a leaking roof but that might not be the source.

If the leak isn t obvious have a helper watch in the attic while you get on the roof with a garden hose. Some roof leaks are tough to locate. Water found in these places is commonly caused by condensation in the attic. Often older homes conceal various pipes and wiring behind it you might end up damaging them in your attempt to enter your attic.

To find the source of a roof leak. One person will be outside the house with a garden hose running water over the roof. 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. Run the water over the place where you think the leak might be located.

Rainy weather causes the first type of leak to be discovered. Find a friend to help with the roof leak test. Again practice safety first. If dry weather prevents you from finding a roof leak spray the roof with water from a garden hose.

If you don t want to wait for rain to look for the leak try bringing the garden hose up on the roof. Water leaks occur through roof failure ice dams and water condensation or frost build up inside an attic. Fixing this issue can be less costly than replacing a roof but it should be addressed as soon as possible. The other person will be inside the attic watching the area for water leaks.

How to water test your roof for 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. Finding water damage on the wall or ceiling is worrying for any homeowner.