Check for Roof Leaks in the Attic
Picture of Attic Leak - Water intrusion is often indicated by discolored wood  |
How to check for roof leaks in your attic.
If the roof surface is damaged and needs repair there will often be evidence of leaks in the attic. In many newer homes the attic can be accessed easily through a garage or laundry room with built-in/pull-down stairs. Most often attic access is found in a garage, closet or hallway. Look for a square or rectangular removable panel in the ceiling. If you do not have built-in, pull-down stairs, then use a sturdy ladder to access the attic area. See Basic Ladder Safety if you intend to use a ladder.
Picture of Sharp Roofing Nails  |
Use a hardhat to access the attic area. The sharp tips of roofing nails protrude through the roof surface into the attic. Use extreme caution. Be careful to walk only on roof joists or flooring that is firmly secured by the joists. DO NOT walk on drywall or sections between joists. Doing so could mean falling through the ceiling below. Also make sure you have a powerful flashlight, tape measure, notepad, and some colored masking tape or a marker in order to flag/mark target leak areas. It's advisable that you wear protective clothing (long pants, long sleeves, gloves) in case your attic contains fiberglass insulation. This type of insulation can cause skin irritation.
Examine the entire attic roof underside surface for evidence of water intrusion. You may see stained or discolored wood areas that will lead you to the source of the leak. Water runs downhill so carefully observe all areas below suspected leak(s). Also check all rafters and other structural wood areas for evidence of water intrusion or dripping water. Mark water stained or damaged areas with masking tape or a marker. Measure distance of suspected leak areas from a firewall or other identifiable structural features. Later this will help you find the damaged areas on top of the roof.
Attic leak was marked and measured so that it could be located on the surface of the roof.  |
What it looks like on the surface of the roof (outside). This area needed to be sealed.  |
Surface of roof also has missing or cracked stucco near parapet wall flashing.  |