How to check for a leaky roof

6/11/2022 (Permalink)

Roof’s get old and worn down. If not replaced can start leaking water during rain periods. Let’s talk about how to detect a roof leak, that way you can do regular checks to be on the safe side.

• Go in the attic with a flashlight, during or shortly after a heavy rain, being careful not to step through the ceiling. In the absence of rain, use a garden hose to thoroughly wet down the roof to create a manmade leak.
• Examine the roof decking (the wooden boards that make up the framing of your roof) and rafters in the attic above the spot where the ceiling is wet.
• Follow any water stains or wet spots up the rafters or roof decking to their highest point.
• Measure down from the roof peak to the highest point of the leak and over from a gable end to the leak.
• When the roof is dry, go on the roof, and transfer the measurements to the roof, allowing for any overhang on the end of the roof.
• Examine the roofing closely for signs of the leak at the location you measured.
• If you can’t see the source of the leak, continue to look higher up on the roof, since water can run down behind the shingles before emerging in the attic decking or rafters.

Always remember if you ever find yourself with a failed roof causing water damage to your home and in need of repairs after call SERVPRO of Tacoma at (253)896-300 and we’ll be there to help you!