How To Know If A Roof Leak Is Active

This is a generalization and does not represent all situations but is geared towards explaining what color the stain is when it did leak from that heavy rain we got last night.

How to know if a roof leak is active.

Ceiling or roof spots. When you see algae growing on the roof it s clear you have a moisture problem. The list of consequences goes on. In order to trace a leak back to its original source it helps to visually see the active leak instead of depending on the remnants of the leak such as staining on the ceiling.

But over time the ceiling or wall located directly below the leak will start to appear discolored. Leaks may appear around chimneys and vents. Algae and mold are growing near the leak. So these are the common causes of roof leaks.

Roof leak warning sign 9. After the allotted time and still dry use some primer sealer then paint. Typically a leaking roof starts off without anyone even noticing. This includes active water intrusion water intrusion that would happen during a rain storm or damaged missing roof components that create an imminent risk of leak.

Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along. It s best if you can see the leak as it occurs. You could also use a pencil to outline the current stain then see if it enlarges. Very rarely is the leak directly above the place it shows up water tends to travel along rafters ceiling joists drywall joints etc.

Traveling leaks mean expensive water damage repairs and it s a sign that the leak may have been active for a long time. If you notice discoloration on your ceiling or walls take a closer look for mold moisture and other telltale signs of a leak. Before it makes its grand entrance. An active leak is a condition where the roof would not protect the interior of the dwelling from water intrusion.

If you have an attic the easiest way to spot the leak is to up there on a rainy day. When water gets through you may see water stains in your ceiling. It trickles down your walls chips off paint soaks your carpet and promotes mold growth. If an entire summer season passes and the brownish color stain never changes then it is probably safe to say that the roof leak is not active.

Most of the time the typical homeowner finds it difficult to know the source or the causes of roof leaks and how to fix and solve them. The discoloration from active water intrusion will look different from the general discoloration you might have seen in older houses or in homes where a heavy smoker lived. Sometimes there s a drip. If the leak has spread through the roof and attic far from where it began you have a serious problem.

Evidence of these conditions includes. If you see drips moisture on the walls or moisture stains but don t see them often you may still have a leak in your roof. On a nice day have a helper tap on the mark while you re on the roof.