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Hard to Find Roof Leaks

It’s not uncommon that after discovering a leak coming from your roof through your ceiling, that you go up onto the roof to locate leak, only to find there’s no clear or obvious source of where the water is actually coming from.  There’s no denying that this can be a frustrating situation.  You simply can’t solve this hugely common problem unless you find out exactly where the water is coming in and how.  It’s pointless trying to do a quick patch up job by sealing or blocking any obvious gaps or holes discovered.  Until you’ve fully identified the precise location of the leak on the rooftop, the problem will simply reoccur.  If you discover you have a leak, acting fast is vitally important.  Any delay will allow roof timbers and the structural integrity of the roof to deteriorate, leading to potentially disastrous and expensive consequences!  If your roof does become completely defective, there’s no going back.  You’ll most likely have to get it completely replaced which is an eye wateringly expensive and time consuming process.  With this in mind, it’s best to act fast and to know precisely what to do if you suspect your roof is leaking.

Consider False Roof Leaks

Before you start looking, keep in mind that sometimes water and condensation in your ceiling or attic aren’t actually signs of a roof leak.  Roofs that don’t have proper ventilation often develop moisture issues and these issues can be severe.  They may cause mold, mildew, staining and other water damage.  Further, a plumbing leak may sometimes affect the ceiling and therefore appear to be a roof leak.  If you find signs of water damage that doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a leak in the roof.  A professional roofer can help you determine if the condensation you find is from a leak or from ventilation issues.

 

 

Common Reasons for a Leaking Roof

Typically, there can be a number of reasons why a roof may be leaking.

They are:

1. The age of the roof

2. The lack of regular professional inspections

3. Regular, persistent rainwater and ice causing degradation, fine holes and cracks

4. Gaps or spaces in the metal flashing around chimneys

5. Dislocation, decay or breakage in shingles

Inspect During Wet Weather

Once you’ve become aware there’s a leak present, it will be far easier to identify the source during wet conditions.  If the roof is dry and the weather is warm and sunny, identifying the source of leak is difficut.  Ideally, you should inspect the roof up close during heavy rainfall to examine the pattens of where water is collecting and running.  If you are trying to do this during a warm dry summer, try using a hosepipe to run water over section of the roof at a time.  Have a second person inside the premises checking to see if water comes in at any point during your tests.  During your tests, especially if it is persistently raining, there should be obvious parts of the roof where water is collecting or running underneath the tiling, flashing or mortars.  Check the integrity of the roof top to bottom, corner to corner and the signs of leaks should become clearer.

Identify The Internal Leak Position

Before making your way up onto the roof, it’s important to get a better understanding of where water is coming in internally.  If you have a single leak at one end of a room, it’s highly likely that the leak from the roof starts somewhere in the same vicinity.  It may not be directly above the internal position where water is visibly dripping, as liquid can travel and move around structures very easily.  But it’s a safe bet that the source of the leak on the roof will not be too far away from where you can see water coming into the building interior.  If you have multiple internal water drips in more than once place, chances are you have a major roofing defect that will be identified in minutes once you go up on the roof.

What If You Don’t Find Any Water in the Attic?

If you don’t find water in the attic, you may want to consult a professional.  It’s possible that the water in your ceiling is caused by something else, like condensation from poor ventilation in your attic (especially in cold climates) or a plumbing leak.  Even mold, stained plywood and other signs of serious water damage may be caused by condensation and not rainwater.  A roofer can tell you if the roof isn’t the source of your leak and what kind of professional you should call next.

Areas You Must Check

When it’s time to go up on the roof, make sure to check the following common causes of roof leaks:

• Shingles

• Flashing

• Gutters

• Fascias & Soffits

• Gulleys

• Spouts

• Air Vents

• Flues

• Water & Gas Pipes

It is becoming more common for builders to make homes with inaccessible attics.  Other homes have only vaulted or cathedral ceilings, with no attic at all.  In either case, you cannot go up to the attic to investigate.  Instead, you have to call a roofer to get onto the roof and conduct an investigation.  While you shouldn’t do this yourself, you might be curious about what your roofer is looking for and which parts of your roof might be causing the leak.

The Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks

There are many potential causes of roof leaks. Improper installation of a roof component or feature may cause a roof leak.  Damage to any part of the roof may also cause a leak.  Here are some common causes of roof leaks that you may want to know more about:

• Missing or damaged shingles: If a shingle is missing or damaged, it can’t do its job of keeping water at bay. Missing or damaged shingles may be the result of improper installation, improper repair or extreme weather.

• Objects placed on the roof: It is not always safe to nail something to your roof.  Solar panels, security cameras, Christmas decorations and other objects could be the source of leaks if their installation interferes with the roof.

• Vents and exhaust fans: If improperly installed or damaged, vents and exhaust fans can allow water to access your roof.

• Skylights: Skylights have their own flashing to prevent leaks, but if that flashing is poorly designed, installed, or damaged, it may allow for a leak.

• Exposed or improperly driven nails and screws: Shingles should cover all nails or screws in a roof. Exposed nails may create the opportunity for a leak.  If your roofer chose the wrong roofing nail, it might also contribute to a leak.

• Valley problems:  Valleys are particularly vulnerable areas of the roof and roofers need to install them with care.  You also need to keep valleys clean of debris so they can function properly.

• Chimney problems: As chimneys run from your home up through the roof, they may allow for leaks if they do not have the proper flashing installed. Complete chimney flashing involves multiple types of flashing.

• Flashing issues: Flashing is an essential part of the roof, and it protects everything from skylights to plumbing vents from leaks.  Bent, damaged or missing flashing can allow for a leak.

• Walking on the roof: It’s possible to create a leak by frequently walking on your roof or by walking in vulnerable areas, such as roof valleys.  Roofing professionals wear correct footwear and know where they should and should not step to avoid damaging your roof.

• DIY roof repairs: Roofing is complicated work, and most homeowners are not equipped to fix their roof properly.  To avoid leaks, call a professional instead of attempting your own roof repair.

• Tree damage: Branches that scrape against your roof may cause damage to your shingles and allow for a leak. There are other ways trees can damage roofs.

Answers to Roof Leak Questions

Can Extreme Weather Cause Roof Leaks?

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, hail and lightning strikes, can cause leaks.  You can limit this possibility by choosing shingles that the shingle manufacturer has designed to provide special protection against the extreme weather that is most likely in your area.

Can Condensation Cause Roof Leaks?

Condensation may appear to be a roof leak, but it is typically the result of poor ventilation or other moisture issues in your home.

Can Clogged Gutters Cause a Roof Leak?

On their own, clogged gutters are unlikely to cause a roof leak.  However, if your roof has other problems, spillover from a clogged gutter can make them worse.  Gutters cab also contribute to the severity of ice dams which can cause roof leaks.

Can Moss Cause a Roof Leak?

Moss growth can push beneath shingles and degrade shingles.  Moss growing beneath shingles and on top of shingles can both allow for a leak.  Algae can be challenging to correct, but you can prevent it altogether by choosing an algae-resistant shingle. If your shingles develop moss, it must be manually and carefully removed by your roofer.

Conclusion

Finding tiny roof leaks quickly is important so that you are able to repair or block them before they cause longer term damage.  Any delays and you could be faced with a huge bill if your entire roof structures need to be replaced, not to mention internal waster damage caused to walls and ceiling.  The repair bills can easily stack up.  So if you suspect you have a roof leak, act fast and make a quick decision.  If you feel competent enough to handle the job yourself, then get all necessary equipment together and make your way safely up onto the roof.

Ensure you are wearing protective clothing and suitable footwear.  Climbing up onto rooftops is a dangerous task so ideally, should always be carried out by a trained professional.  Never leave it to chance.  A leaking roof can cause untold lasting damage.  Always use a professional to either repair or replace your roof.