by Roofer911.com |
The phrase, “Detect leaky roof” may sound like a board game but for a homeowner experiencing a leaky roof, it definitely isn’t fun and games. The first thing that pops into mind is actual water dripping or even flowing down into the attic and down through the ceiling. That’s obvious enough but water leaks are subtler than that.
Many times within a home’s construction water’s least path of resistance is not necessarily the straightest one. Rain water can seep through a roof flashing and travel 10 to 20 feet before finding a further route downwards. That’s when you have to play detective and be on the lookout for clues like discoloration or stains on the walls and ceiling, mold and mildew. You also need to check for their funky odors since mold can and will grow behind plasterboard without showing on the surface. Other visuals to look out for when you play “Detect leaky roof” are blistering and peeling of paint on interior walls, bowing and rotting finish wood and stains leading from the edges of skylights.
Going up into your attic and finding a leak in dim light may feel like you’re not passing “Go” or collecting $200 but if you and your flashlight find discolored, wet or rotting wood, you’re on a winning streak. If all else fails and the leak is so small that you can’t find it or feel it isn’t bad enough to warrant immediate repair by a roofing contractor, wait until it’s raining once again to play detect leaky roof.
Steven Briesemeister
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