Repairing a leaky roof is one of the most dangerous jobs homeowners attempt themselves. The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of the home, suffering abuse from wildlife and the weather year-round, and it doesn’t matter how well-maintained or modern your roof is; sooner or later, the elements will wear it down and cause a leak.
Some leaks may seem trivial, but if you leave them unattended, they can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home and belongings, as well as roof repair. Long-term exposure to moisture can cause wood to rot and mold to form in the unseen corners of your home, which will leave an unpleasant smell that will follow you as you move from room to room.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to repair a leaky roof by finding the leak and calling a roof repair service for help.
Spotting a Leaky Roof
If you’re reading this article, there’s a high chance you already suspect a leak in your roof. You might be seeing water stains running down your second-floor walls or the brownish ghosts of pooling rain droplets forming on an interior ceiling.
The traces of a leak are easy to spot. Look around vents, dormers, plumbing lines, or any object in your house’s interior that has a connection to your roof. As rainwater filters through the materials of your roof, it will take on a different color and leave a stain wherever it dries.
If your home has an attic, grab a flashlight and look for evidence up there. If you have a leak, you will see mold and dark marks on the floors or walls. Work your way from the edge of the leak or where the water is pooling.
Spotting a Leak from the Outside
For people with vaulted ceilings, spotting a leak can be a little tricky, and they will have to examine the condition of their roof from the outside. Many people discover leaks in their vaulted ceilings in the middle of inclement weather, so remember to be careful when going onto your roof.
To detect a leak from the outside, you’ll need:
- A ladder
- An extra-long garden hose
- Running water
All you need to do is go to the general region of the leak and let the water run over it for a few minutes. It helps to have someone on the ground pinpointing where it is, so you know where to direct the hose.
Repairing a Leaky Roof
80% of learning how to repair a leaky roof is finding the source of the leak. Once you find it, you can get a roofing service to help you fix it with professional roof repair.
Broken walls, flashings, and dormers will require an experienced technician. The Superior Roofing Company of Georgia is your number one choice for full-service residential roofing installation and roof repairs. Call us today at 770-279-2621 for a consultation.