Does anyone know afew good tricks for finding a roof leak (We've patched and repatched and replaced shingles
Question:and searched the attic? The bedroom ceiling is starting to cave in and we're having to mop up water. Thanx
Answers:
get someone up in attic with flashlight
have someone else spray water over suspect area
with garden hose
use this stuff to repair leak:
Check the attic when it is raining. Because we have a pitch on the roof to make rain slide off your problem will be way higher than you have looked so far.
you'll have to go in the attic. a good time would be to go when it is raining. also check for water stain on the roof decking.
Good i dea to patch up the ridge line and hips. also if you can go into the attic try and see daylight. sometimes water will run down the rafters and drip onto the ceiling. If you have a shingle roof seal all the tabs. ( the joints betweet the tabs.)
Go in the attic when It's NOT raining during bright sun light. Look for daylight and when you find it, shove a rolled up paper sheet partially through the hole so you wil be able to find it when you are on the roof.
start in the attic above the bedroom on a clear day (no rain) and with a bright even light look for the tracks of water on the plywood or rafters of the roof. If you dont find any you will have to wait for rain or try soaking the roof with a hose.
Water can travel some distance from the source of the leak both under the roof and by getting through a shingle and running along the outer surface of the roof sheathing before it finds a hole to penetrate.
If I were you I would have a roofer come over and find the leak for you then you repair it. Roof leaks as you know can be very hard to find. I normally take a hose to the roof then go inside and try to locate it but it could be anything causing it to leak.
Good luck
WOW. search the attic for signs of damage, check especially around the chimney the flashing around it could probably need be re caulked. Water will travel along the path of least resistance so where it is dripping might not be where the leak is. Best bet is to go up on the rood with a can of roof patch and a putty knife and see what you are facing. Again around the chimney, or air vents see if shingles are missing etc.
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