Sometimes locating the source of the leak can be a challenge in itself. The source of the roof leak on the outside of the house rarely matches the appearance of the leak on the inside. This often leads to great frustration for the owner trying to repair it.

Locating the source is a complex process due to the fact that a leak can have many contributing factors and may not always be the direct result of a specific problem with your roof.

It is best to spot the leak when it occurs. In order to trace a leak to its original source, it helps to visualize it rather than waiting for the first obvious problems, such as stains on the ceiling, to appear. Stains can be used to identify ceiling leaks, but they may not reveal the whole story behind the problem.

To see the leak, you need to locate it during rain or snow. If this is not possible, it may be necessary to pour water on the surface of the roof, especially the suspected area, with a garden hose for a period of time until a leak appears inside the house.

Start by locating the leak inside the home. Confirm that the source of water inside the home is a result of a roof leak and not due to a problem related to other components of the home. Other sources of potential leaks in the home include plumbing, roof drains, heating systems and condensation.

Once you've determined that the leak is caused by a roof-related issue, measure the location of the leak in the living space from two fixed points. These fixed points can be vertical exterior walls, a fireplace chimney, or other fixtures that extend through the roof to the attic space or roof surface.

Go into your attic and locate the spot on the underside of the roof, using measurements taken from the living area of ​​your home. Check for active leakage and note the surface it is dripping from. The location of the actual point of water entry into the attic space may be slightly different than where the leak appears inside the home, so you may need to expand your search area when you are in the attic.

Look for fixed points such as bathroom vent pipes, chimneys or ventilators. If these roof penetrations are not available, base your measurements on two vertical exterior walls.

Gain safe access to your roof and apply the measurements taken from the attic space to the roof surface. You will need to adjust your measurements to account for the depth of the exterior walls and overhangs if your measurements were based on the location of the exterior walls.

Locate the approximate location where water enters your attic space. Start working outward in concentric circles from the location you identified. As you examine the roof, remember that any opening in the roof system is a risk for water to enter your home. If your roofing materials have openings where water can seep into your home's envelope, this will lead to more leakage.

If you experience a leak in your home, you can try doing the repair yourself or hire a professional contractor to complete the job. In order to reduce the working hours of the professional, it is recommended to try to rule out other causes of leaks.

These may include:

Hydraulic leaks

Air conditioning leaks

Condensation

Infestation of wooden points by pests

Doing an effective roof repair

In order to complete an effective roof repair on your home, it is essential to determine the cause of the leak. It is also important to prepare properly before attempting roof repairs to ensure you know what materials to use and what precautions to take. By following these basic recommendations, you'll be better equipped to determine the cause of the leak and implement a proper and cost-effective repair. Without proper leak investigation, repairs can be made to the roof system that are ineffective and waste money and time, which can lead to more damage to the interior of the home.