How to Tell If a Roof Is Leaking

The roof of a home is the most important structure in maintaining adequate protection from outside elements and correspondingly takes the brunt of weather's wear and tear. Roof maintenance is essential to keeping a structurally sound roof throughout the life of the dwelling. Leaks can wreak havoc on the roof and cause major problems like insect infestations or rotting of load bearing support beams in the framework of the home. A few basic instructions can help anyone tell if there is a leak present in the roof.

Instructions

1. Observe the ceiling of your home, particularly around the interior corners. Look for water spots in the sheet rock. These will appear as a grayish area on the ceiling.

2. Look for any water collecting in light fixture domes or covers. Water takes the path of least resistance and can usually end up running through holes in the ceiling where light fixtures are suspended.

3. Check thoroughly in the attic or crawl space above the ceiling of the home for water spots or rotting wood areas. Observing these areas will give you a better idea of where the water may be entering the home if a leak is present.

4. Enter the attic during a period of rainfall and look for any dripping water entering the home. This will give you a pinpoint location of the leak.

References

• Roof leaks
• Locating roof leaks