How to Detect a Roof Leak
Tips From an Expert Roof Installer
A leak on your roof should not be taken lightly. It could lead to further damage, including electrical issues or a pricey repair if not addressed immediately after the leak begins or you notice stains inside the ceiling. At this point, the appropriate remedy is to contact a roofing professional for an inspection so the issue can get appropriately addressed.
Depending on the gravity of the damage, this kind of problem usually only consists of a 1-2 roofer team. Sometimes, leaks are easy to spot without needing elaborate tests due to apparent signs of damage such as missing/damaged shingles, detached seams, nail punctures, damaged pipes, or drain issues. This procedure would typically only require one roofing professional.
If, unfortunately, the location of the leak becomes complicated to locate, a roofing professional will assess the issue by taking inside measurements of the perimeter around the damaged area of the ceiling, which usually is about 100 to 200 sq. ft, followed by matching the inside measurements on the exterior part of the roof as well. The reason for inspecting beyond the actual leak is that the damage is not always directly underneath. Instead, the damage may be several feet away. Once measurements have been calculated, a water test will need to be performed.
A water test is a highly effective method when dealing with these hard-to-locate leaks. The process consists of a two-person team, where one roofer slowly hoses down the roof perimeter previously measured section by section. The second roofer inspects the ceiling from indoors. Once the water begins to leak, the source of the leak will be revealed, and the issue can be repaired and resolved.
If you need an expert roof installation company to come out and inspect your roof in Los Angeles or Orange County, call the professionals at One Roofing Solution, Inc. today at (323) 867-1226.
Helpful Self Inspection Process:
Step 1. Immediately contact a roofing professional once a leak has been spotted.
Step 2.
Only if you feel comfortable climbing up a ladder, climb up to your roof and inspect for any obvious signs of damage such as missing/damaged shingles, detached seams, nail punctures, damaged pipes, or drain issues if unable to find any visible issues please cautiously follow step 3.
Step 3. Take measurements vertically/horizontally from and around the repair stretching out to about 100-200 sq. ft from both the ceiling and the roof ONLY if you feel comfortable climbing up a ladder.
Step 4. Once measurements have been determined, make sure to have a partner to assist with the water test.
Step 5. Have one person indoors monitoring the measured damaged area.
Step 6. Have one person climb onto the roof with a water hose and slowly hose down the measured damaged area section by section this will facilitate finding the source.
Step 7. Once water begins leaking inside you will be able to determine the exact location of the leak.
Step 8. You can now inform the roofer where the leak is located so he can begin repairs, saving time in labor as well as possibly saving you some labor cost and time.
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