Leak sources on roofs are sometimes hard to pinpoint. Leaks may appear from the living room ceiling but are actually sourced from roof damage directly above another room. Thus, checking for roof leaks may be a tricky task to do. However, there are basic guidelines on how to find a roof leak.
Checking on Rainy Days
When it’s raining, checking for roof leaks is easy. When there’s water dripping from the ceiling or gushing from a wall, and the house is just one level high, it’s sure to be a leak on the roof. If the house is several levels high, consider a pipe leak from the toilet and bath or a sink from upper floors.
On rainy days, how to find a roof leak is easy, but repairing is difficult. Sometimes a leak from the ceiling is sourced from roof damage directly above it. This would be easy to fix, especially if a water proof sealer is available. Just climb up the roof and go directly to the spot where the ceiling leaks beneath it. Look for any hole or damage seen on the roof, roughen the surface by rubbing around the area with sandpaper or steal wool or file, and apply the water-proof sealant on it. Apply on all visible screw heads and washers, too.
However, if no hole or damage is visible on the roof, procedures on how to find a roof leak may be a bit more complicated. It may require dismantling of the ceiling portion where the leak appears. In this case, checking for roof leaks need some carpentry tools and a flashlight.
Checking Inside the Ceiling
Carefully dismantle the ceiling cover from the portion where the leak shows. When the ceiling is removed, look for where the leak is coming from. With the aid of a flashlight, it should be easy to spot where drips are located. When holes are found, insert a nail or a stick through them, making sure they jut out on the other side of the roof. Then climb on the roof and see where the nails or sticks are jutting out from. Roughen that surface and apply the sealant.
Checking on Sunny Days
During sunny days, the twin jobs of how to find a roof leak inside the ceiling and sealing it is easier. After opening the ceiling, it should be easy to spot in the dark where light is coming in through holes or damages. Insert sticks or nails through them and apply the sealant on the other side (the exterior part) of the roof.
