How to Trace a Roof Leak to the Source
December 6, 2018
Experiencing a leaking roof is one of the worst nightmares a homeowner may face. Aside from meaning that you are probably in need of the services of roof repair contractors, it may also be a wake-up call for serious structural problems.
Leaks are not just bothersome. They are serious problems that need immediate attention. Lankford Roofing & Construction LLC can help you determine the source of the water leaks and what you need to do to stop them.
Go to Your Home’s Highest Point
Even if there’s visible damage on the lower portion of your home, roofing contractors suggest heading to your home’s highest point - the attic - to find out the extent of the leak. By doing this, you can more easily identify the source of water intrusion and do an immediate fix.
Wait for a Rain Storm or Simulate One
The most convenient time to track a leak’s source is when it’s raining. If water is continuously coming in, you can easily find the origin point of the leak. However, if you are seeing wet spots, but you are not sure when the next rain will happen, you can enlist a helper and simulate rain with a water hose.
Call a Professional Roofer
Call a professional like Lankford Roofing & Construction LLC as soon as possible to fix this issue. We can offer solutions to complex problems, including replacing roof flashings or doing a complete roof replacement.
It is always beneficial to hire professionals to properly inspect your roof as you can save both time and money. As soon as you notice small leaks, do not hesitate to give us a call so we can provide the necessary assistance right away and before the damage becomes serious and more expensive to fix.
When a roof leak is not the roof
Before you chase a leak on the roof, rule out the other things in an attic or wall that can drip.
- AC condensate lines and drain pans. In summer, an attic air handler produces a lot of water. A clogged line or a rusted pan can stain a ceiling just like a roof leak.
- Bathroom exhaust fans that vent into the attic instead of outdoors put warm, damp air against the underside of the roof deck.
- Plumbing. Supply lines and drain vents run through attics and walls.
- Condensation. On cold winter mornings, moisture can form on nails and decking and drip once the sun warms the roof. It shows up on dry days, not after rain.
- Windows and walls. Water that gets in around a window or through brick can run down inside the wall and appear on a ceiling below.
A useful clue: if a stain grows on a dry, sunny day, look at the AC or the plumbing first. If it only appears during rain, the roof is the likely source. Our roof repair page explains how we find and fix leaks.
Apart from offering quality roofing services, Lankford Roofing & Construction LLC also offers gutter repair and window replacement. Call us at 903 465 7677. We serve the residents of Sherman and Denison, TX.
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