Identify Roof Leaks

Small Roof Leaks Cause Major Roof Repairs. 

The most common roof repair involves finding and repairing a roof leak.  Minor roof leaks can cause major damage if not found and repaired immediately.  If you a notice a water stain on the ceiling or down your wall, the culprit is most likely a roof leak.  In no time at all, small leaks can start the growth of mold, cause house framing to rot, destroy your insulation, and ruin your ceiling. Addressing the leak immediately will prevent costly damage.

Repairing the roof leak is often easily performed by a do-it-yourselfer.  Finding the leak is the first step, but it’s usually the most challenging step.  Here are a few tips to help you find and repair common roof leaks:

Finding the Source of a Roof Leak

1. If possible, grab a flashlight and someone to help.  While your helper watches for dripping water inside the house, you'll want to take your flashlight into the attic.  Inspect the areas around the chimney and all plumbing, exhaust, and roof vents.  You’ll want to look for mold, stains, or black marks caused by water.  If you find the source of the leak while inside your attic, go up on the roof to make the repair. Please make sure you take the proper safety precautions when on your roof, or call a professional Roofer in Jacksonville FL.
2. If you can’t access the suspected area from within your attic, you’ll need to go on top of the roof with a hose.  Make sure someone inside the house is watching for dripping water while you’re soaking the suspected area on the roof.
3. The source of the roof leak is typically higher up the roof line than the point directly above the ceiling stain.  Using the water hose, you’ll want to drench the area slightly above the stain on your ceiling or wall. The person inside the house should be looking for intruding water, alerting you when they see it. If you haven’t found the leak after five to ten minutes of continuous soaking, move a couple of feet up the roof.  Carefully continue this process until you find the leak
4. Carefully remove shingles above suspected roof leak source.  Look for changes in color of the felt paper and/or wood.  These markings will direct you to the source of the leak.

Repairing Common Roof Leaks

• Plumbing Vent Flashing - If the rubber gasket around the plumbing vent is cracked or dry rotted, it's time to replace the rubber boot.  Use screws with rubber washers to install new vent boot
• Roof Vent Housing - Over time, the plastic housing on roof vents will crack.  Seams on metal vents often come apart.  Avoid the temptation to seal these cracks and open seams with caulk.  Replacing the roof vent is the only solution.  Additionally, find and replace any loose nails with rubber washer screws.
• Chimney and Wall Step Flashing - Cracked or rusted flashing should be replaced.  Loose flashing should be re-positioned.  Caulk should be used to secure good flashing.  You should not use caulk to seal damaged flashing.  Damaged flashing should be replaced.
• Missing or cracked caulk around windows, siding, and corner boards - Use scraper to remove any damaged caulk.  Use silicon latex caulk to seal the area.

We recommend that you inspect your roof regularly or have a professional roofer inspect your roof. Finding and repairing a roof leak early often results in a minimal roof repair instead of a major roof repair or replacement.  If you aren't comfortable repairing the roof yourself or you'd simply rather rely on a trusted professional, call the experts at White's Roofing Company.  With over 30 years in the roofing industry, you can rely on White’s Roofing for an honest assessment and reliable roof repairs.