As a homeowner, you would never want to wake up to the drip of their leaking roof. But, if this happens, you must get roofing pro to the scene. It is important to find where the water is entering your house. Usually, you will be alerted to a roof leak if you see water stains or drips from your ceiling. You will find damp patches on your ceilings or walls. Even if you see just a patch, you must move quickly and consider professional roof repair Chicago. Here are some steps you can follow to find a roof leak:
Consider the Possibility of Interior Leaks
Sometimes, water stains on the ceiling indicate leaking or faulty pipes inside the walls of your home. Interior leaks may also be caused by defective HVAC systems, water heaters, and condensation. Make sure to check the sinks in the bathroom and kitchen and inspect all possible water sources to rule out interior leaks.
Determine where the Leak Is
Pinpoint the specific location of the leak. This can be done by measuring the water mark or marks from two fixed points. You must do this because water stains on the inside of the house may not match up with the entry point of water on the exterior of the house. Use an exterior wall, chimney, or other fixed points that extend up into the attic of your house to have a roadmap for tracing the leak when you are in the attic.
Check the Attic
If it is safe to access your attic, go there with a flashlight and the measurements you have taken. Ensure an overhead light is turned off and use a flashlight to shine light on the areas that correspond to the measurements. As light reflects off water, you may see the entry point of the leak in the decking or rafters of your house.
Inspect the Roof
Sometimes, inspecting the attic is not enough to discover obvious water entry points. For instance, if you examine the attic while the weather is clear and dry outside, you might see any water coming in. In this case, you may recreate rainy conditions by saturating your roof with a garden hose. But, it is important to keep safety a priority if you try this.
Contact a Roofing Contractor
Not all roof leaks require a total replacement. Sometimes, you can repair a rotted part of decking to stop leaks. But, roof leaks can also mean a more widespread issue. This is the reason you need to work with an experienced roofing contractor to identify the scope of the leaks and trace other water entry points.
