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Roof Leak Repair NJ: How to Find the Source of the Problem

Roof leak repair NJ begins with a bit of detective work. Usually, the most challenging aspect of repairing a leaky roof is finding where the leak starts.

While it isn’t difficult to detect mold growing or water stains, it can be hard to find the leak source after the water has already infiltrated your roof as it can be sidetracked by factors such as insulation. If you suspect you have a leaky roof, here are some guidelines for finding the source of a leak, so it can be stopped before there’s more damage.

Consider How Water Travels

In most cases, the location of a roof leak is not easy to find. This is because the origination point is typically not near where the leak is detected. When trying to discover a leak’s origination point, you have to consider how water travels. In other words, water generally enters through broken, weak or missing shingles or through roof flashing that has not been sealed properly.

Check Your Roof 

The most obvious warning that you have a leaky roof is noting water stains on your ceiling. Take note of where the leak is located.

Next, check your roof for possible missing shingles, as well as shingles that are cracked or curled. Leaks can be caused at any locations where there’s been a lack of caulking and flashing, besides the area where shingles hit each other. Other leak sources may include shingles that are shaped as tents and end caps.

Examine Your Attic 

Using a flashlight, inspect your attic. Be sure you don’t walk between joists because your foot can damage the ceiling of a room underneath your roof. When examining the roof underside, check for any places that look darker thanthe roof sheathing that surrounds them.

If there hasn’t been rain recently, moist spots may be too difficult to discern.  Mold, on the other hand, has the tendency to linger. Thus, finding mold can be a clue for finding the source of a leak.

Check Roof Vents

Inspect the vents of your roof. You can find them close to gable ends or ridges. Sometimes they’re near both. Because vent seals can eventually deteriorate, water from rain can easily leak into a roof.

What If You Haven’t Had Any Rain? 

It can be hard to spot moist areas when there’s been a lack of moisture. Perhaps your area hasn’t experienced any rain for a while. If this is the case, create an artificial storm by having one person wet down the roof, while the other person stays in the attic with a flashlight.

The person on the roof hoses down a simulated rainstorm on various parts of the roof as the attic person checks the underside of the roof to see where it’s leaking. After finding the leak, simply mark its location by pushing a nail through the hole so the top of the roof can be repaired. You could also use chalk for marking the roof surface.

Removing Insulation

Insulation can usually make it more challenging when trying to examine the underside of a roof. You can see your insulation deteriorate more clearly as it weakens faster than wood deteriorates.

Therefore, noting the damage done to one part of insulation can mean that the actual leak can be as far as several feet from one side to another. That’s why you’ll to take off any insulation next to a spot where there are signs of leakage so that you can see the water path. Be sure you wear the right protective clothing and use the correct equipment when removing insulation. 

Considerations and Warnings 

  • Mold tends to stick around even during dry spells, so that can be a clear indication of a roof’s weak spot.
  • See if there are any foreign objects in your roof (such as nails) as this can cause roof leakage.
  • The easiest roof to repair is usually asphalt shingle. This is because shingles can be flattened and repaired if they curl. Also, signs of a leak on asphalt shingle roofs are typically easier to detect.

Detecting and repairing a leaky roof can be difficult for most homeowners. Don’t hesitate to let a professional do the job. A1 Everlast contractors are specialists when it comes to roof and chimney inspections.  Contact us, at our toll-free number, 888-399-0955, if you have a concern with your roof or are in need of roof repairs.