What to Do When a Roof Leak Is Hard to Find
In a perfect world, roof leaks would be a non-existent issue, and in a partially perfect world, if you did encounter a roof leak, you could easily find the source of the problem. Unfortunately, the latter scenario is not always the norm. Sometimes, homeowners experience roof leaks that seem impossible to get to the bottom of. Yet, discovering these hard-to-find leaks is important.
Leaks Originate Almost Everywhere
Often when a homeowner thinks about a leak, they automatically think about areas like the edge of the roof near their gutters or around the flashing around a chimney. However, the most important tip that every person should keep in mind is that leaks can come up anywhere. Although roofs are strong and designed to withstand the elements, the reality is that shingles can become damaged at any moment, and wherever the spot of the damaged shingle — you will likely have a leak. Consequently, the main thing to remember is that leaks could form anywhere.
Exercise Some Patience
Another trick homeowners can use is to exercise some patience. The next time there is heavy rain, grab a flashlight and head up to your attic. If you sit up there quietly for a few moments, you should be able to either hear the sound of dripping water or see the water dripping. If you are unable to go to the attic during the rain, you can go immediately after to look for pooled water. Keep in mind; since water can travel, the exact location of the dripping water may not be the exact spot of the leak, but if you pass this information along to a professional, they can use it to trace back the problem.
Professional Technology Can Help
It can be hard to find a leak even when you have visible signs of damage in your home. However, just because you may be having issues, it does not mean that pinpointing the leak is impossible. The best thing for you to do in this situation is to contact a professional. Roofing companies can use infrared technology to pinpoint pockets of moisture. Once the professional has located the water, it is generally only a matter of time before they can then follow the trail and find out exactly where the leak has originated from so that you can resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
If you have a roof leak, but you cannot seem to find out the precise location of the problem, do not waste time. To ensure the problem is resolved, it is best to contact a roof contractor.