Tracking Down the Source of Roof Leaks

You might be wondering why you should make the effort to find the source of a leak, when your trusted roofing company can probably do a better job. Read on as Diamond Roofing Specialists, Inc. shares some insight on finding the source of roofing leaks.

Conducting Your Own Roofing Inspections

Think of your scheduled roofing maintenance as going to your annual physical. A physician performs a thorough inspection, then, at the end of the day, you receive a detailed report of your current condition. You’d also receive advice on what you should do for the rest of the year: watch what you eat, manage your sleeping habits and basically monitor your health until your next visit.

The same logic applies to roofing inspections. Scheduled roofing maintenance is conducted every two or three years. Between each inspection, you should keep an eye on your roof’s condition by conducting a visual inspection every six months, and after every storm. If your roof springs a leak, don’t wait until your next roofing inspection to have it addressed. Find out where it’s coming from, then call your roofer for repairs.

Locating the Source of the Leak

Finding the source of a roof leak yourself gives you a better idea of the magnitude of the roofing damage, the potential repair costs and a picture of the repair work needed. The first thing to remember about roof leaks is that they rarely flows down in a straight line. Rainwater has been known to flow across an entire roof plane, especially on low-slope roofs. You will need to climb your attic, start at the approximate spot on the ceiling, and follow the flow of water. If the entry point is streaming into several parts of the attic, call for emergency roof repair.

Water leaves “footprints” through water stains. If you’re inspecting the leak after the fact – like when you’ve only noticed water stains in the ceiling – you should be able to follow the water stains to the approximate source. You can also test for leaks by spraying water on the roof using a garden hose. Make sure everything is documented through pictures, videos or notes. These can be very helpful during repairs.

To learn more about roofing maintenance and our other services, call Diamond Roofing Specialists, Inc. today at (203) 754-7884. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We serve many areas in and near Waterbury, CT; Danbury, CT; and Watertown, CT.