What Does a Roof Leak Look Like in the Attic?
Take a flashlight into the attic on a dry day and look at the underside of the roof boards. Dark stains, rings, wet or flattened insulation, rusty nail tips and daylight where there shouldn't be any are all signs of a leak.
Request a rooferWhat do water stains look like?
Brown or dark rings and streaks on the boards, often running down from a nail, vent or chimney.
What about frost on nails?
In cold weather, warm, moist air from the house can condense and freeze on nail tips. When it thaws it drips, which can look like a leak. Better ventilation and air sealing fix it.
Where do leaks usually start?
Around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, in valleys and at the eaves where ice dams form.
How do I mark it for the roofer?
Measure from a gable wall or the chimney and take photos. That helps the roofer find the spot from outside.
Is wet insulation a problem?
Yes. Wet insulation loses its value and can lead to mould. Dry or replace it once the leak is fixed.
What next?
Send a request for roof leak repair and mention what you found.
When is the best time to look?
Check the attic during or just after a heavy rain, or a day or two after a snowmelt, when any water will still be visible. In winter, a look on a very cold morning shows frost problems. Bring a flashlight, wear a dust mask and step only on joists, never on the insulation between them, or your foot can go straight through the ceiling below.
Could it be something other than the roof?
Yes. Bathroom fans that vent into the attic instead of outside, leaking ductwork and plumbing vents can all leave moisture behind. A roofer can tell whether the source is the roof or the house.
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