How Can I Find a Roof Leak?

The primary role of the roof is to keep the elements out and protect the interior of a home, so a leaky roof is a major cause for concern. A roof leak can go undetected for a while, causing damage to the inside of your walls, which can eventually create roof mold. Call roof repair experts at Bryant Roofing Systems at 317-342-4050 or email us for a service appointment at service@bryantroofs.com. 

Where is the Roof Leaking?

If you have attic access, the easiest way to track down a leak is to go up there with a flashlight and look for the evidence. There will be water stains, black marks, or mold. But if access is a problem or you have a vaulted ceiling, you'll have to go up onto the roof and examine the suspect(s). 

There is a specific procedure to follow if you have a roof without attic access. Look around any windows on the roof or in dormers and at the tops of the walls where the roof meets the exterior walls. Any gaps you see here indicate that water is getting in. Your roof vents are one of the most likely areas where a leak can occur.

Think You Have a Leaky Roof? 

If you think that you have a leaking roof in your home, there are steps that you should follow in order to determine the origin of a leaking roof, if a roof leak truly does exist. 

Here are seven steps to follow:

1. Move Things Out of the Way. When your roof is leaking, that's bad enough
2. Contain the Water
3. Relieve Water Pressure
4. Tarp the Roof
5. Take Photos for Insurance Documentation
6. Call a Professional Roofing Company
7. Continue Regular Roof Maintenance

If you have a leaking roof, It is important to get the leak repaired as soon as possible. The time it takes for a leaky roof to cause damage cannot be determined with absolute certainty. The variables involved here are many, so play it safe and fix your roof leak as soon as possible.

Have an Expert Look for the Potential Roof Leak

For the novice, locating a problematic leak in a roof can be an extremely daunting, if not an overwhelming proposition to face, at best. To have a roof repair specialist find and repair a roof leak has a cost. Depending on the size, age, condition and the type of roof that is on your home can come with a service charge. Based on current market rates, there generally is a minimum service charge, around $325. If your roof is steep and hard to access, the cost could be from $400 or more to find and repair a roof leak.

Can You Claim a Leaky Roof on Insurance?

If you didn't maintain your home, your leaky roof will not be covered by your home insurance policy. In contrast, if your roof is damaged in a storm, then you should be covered for repairs to the roof, as well as internal damages caused by water.

A Roof Leak Should be Easy to Detect 

The easiest way to determine if there is a roof leak is to simply look at the ceiling. Look for discoloration on the ceilings in all rooms. A typical roof leak leaves a brown or yellow stain on the roof surface. In the event that your ceiling has stains after heavy rain, you are probably dealing with a roof problem.

Don't wait too long to fix your roof, since letting it leak for too long can run up your costs. Call the roof repair experts at Bryant Roofing Systems to have your roof leak checked and repaired immediately.