Useful Tips on Locating Roof Leaks

Locating roof leaks can be a little like being an amateur detective: you chase down clues and follow leads to find information and then decide what to do about what you discover.

It can even be the case that the amateur detective can find things that the professionals miss with a little luck and observational skills.

Emergency?

While a little leak in the roof might not sound like a major emergency, it can develop into one if the weather works against you.  What may be a tiny crack in a tile or a piece blow off could be a whole tile or two ripped lose if the wind gets high.

Or a fracture in the roofing felt of the flat roof may not flap around in the wind but add driving rain and it could open the floodgates to your home. A roof leak can also work in a more insidious way it can allow the growth of mould and damp. This can cause unsightly areas on walls and ceilings and lead to a range of problems.

Finding the leak isn't always straightforward, as just because there is a leak sign inside, this doesn't always correspond to the same spot on the outside. In fact, professionals admit that finding a leak is often a process of elimination, rather than an exact science.

There are various ways that roofing professionals track down what the problem may be and some of these tools are now available to homeowners. One of these is the use of infrared technology. This works by allowing you to look through the surface of the roof, locating the leaks and finding out where they may be coming from as well as where moisture can be trapped on the roof of between layers.

Spot the heat

Infrared works by basically measuring the heat being emitted from the surface of an object. This pattern is measured and captured by infrared cameras and the data is taken from the images collected. It takes a trained professional to analyse the information gathered to find the anomalies.

The best time to take a scan is the early evening just after the sun has begun to set. The roof needs to be dry as moisture affects the images and it is also best that the day has been sunny. This allows the roof to receive exposure to sunlight to heat up the surface of the roof. This absorption of heat then allows any trapped moisture in the roof to increase in temperature and create a difference that the scanner can measure.

Low tech options

If you prefer a low-tech leak detecting system or don't want to pay out for the infrared scanning equipment, then there are some methods to try. Firstly, if the leak is inside, make sure there are no other possible causes of the leak. This can be things such as plumbing, condensation, roof scuppers and drain.

Once you are sure the leak is related to the roof, measure the location of the leak from two fixed points. These are usually the perpendicular exterior walls, a fireplace, a chimney or other structural elements that run from inside to outside. As mentioned, this doesn't always correspond directly to the outside cause of the leak but is always a good starting place.

A thorough attic exploration is also an important part in seeking a leak. Inspect with a strong torch for any sights of a leak or any signs of water damage and follow from the roof to the floor of the attic to then see where the water is going. You can also check the roof without the lights for cracked tiles or splits in roofing felt as this will allow daylight to filter in where none should be.

When you find the spot on the roof from inside, measure from a fixed point such as a chimney, vent or window. Once you are up on the roof you can use this measurement to find the leak location and be able to deal with the problem.

Other leak suspects

Apart from the roofing materials, there are other suspects that may be the cause of the leak and need inspecting. These can be areas such as the ridge tiles at the top of the roof, valleys in the roof, flashings and guttering. It is also worth checking the gaskets around any pipes that come from inside to outside and similarly the boots, these are rubber seals that surround electric service and plumping vent as well as air vents and exhaust fans. Not all houses will have these but if there are any to be seen, add them to your checklist.

Conclusion

Don't forget that if you find signs of mould on any of the interior roofing materials such as underlay and insulation, it may be that you need to replace these. Once mould gets a foothold, it can be tricky to get rid of, so the infected area may need cutting out and renewing.

Also when going up onto the roof, remember to only do this if it can be done safely and make sure someone else is around to watch your ladder and be on hand if you have any problems.

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