The leak that you suspect is coming from your roof may not be what it appears. Many homeowners instantly assume that their roof is causing the problem, but what happens when the roof’s still leaking after repair? Your leak may be coming from your plumbing instead. In this article, we’re discussing roof leak detection and the types of leaks that appear as roof leaks but aren’t.
To spot a roof leak, inspect the roofing materials closely. Check for missing or damaged shingles or areas that have been worn away due to constant exposure to water. If you have an attic, the easiest way to find a leak is to inspect the roof from inside on a rainy day.
If you don’t have an attic, check for moisture or water damage on the ridge cap, flashing, gaskets around pipes, shingles, gutters and downspouts and dormer valleys. Running a hose over the roof (only a small amount) may be helpful in spotting the leak.
There are a number of leaks that appear to be a roofing material leak but they are actually caused by alternative issues.
Blocked gutters can cause your downpipes to overflow internally into the roof cavity, which can appear on first glance as the roof is leaking. If your clogged gutters cause roof leaks, you’ll need to clean the gutters out before checking for a leak again.
Screws and nails in your roof sheeting may be missing or loose which can cause wet weather to protrude past the nail and screw and into the roof cavity. Find any loose screws or nails and you may be able to fix the problem on your own.
Generally, exhaust fans and flus are sealed with a rubber boot connector to stop the weather from penetrating into the property. These boots perish over time, causing cracks and holes to appear and let the water in. Replacing these connectors should solve the problem.
Chimneys and air-conditioning units are sealed with flashings. Sealants and adhesives are used in this process to seal the flashings which may crack or move over time and lead to water seeping through.
Rainwater is likely to be brown when it enters your home. If your leak is steady and clear, there is a good chance the problem is being caused by a burst pipe. The best way to deal with this is to call a plumber immediately.
The best way to deal with a leak in your ceiling is to call a plumber. At O’Neill and Brown Plumbing Service, we have the right tools and equipment to identify, diagnose and fix the problem. Call our 24-hour plumbing service to have your leak taken care of right away.