To find a roof leak, start in the attic with a flashlight and trace water stains uphill toward their source, since water often travels along framing before it drips. On the roof, check flashing, roof penetrations, drains and cracked coatings or tiles. If you still cannot find it, a controlled hose test with a helper inside can pinpoint the spot.
Key takeaways
- Water travels. The stain on your ceiling is rarely right below the hole.
- Most leaks start at penetrations, flashing and drains, not open roof.
- Flat roofs leak from ponding and cracked coatings; tile roofs from worn underlayment.
- Stay off the roof in the heat or rain, and call a roofer if you are unsure.
How do you find a roof leak from inside?
- Mark the ceiling stain and measure its distance from two walls.
- Go into the attic with a flashlight, stepping only on joists.
- Find the wet spot on the insulation or drywall above the stain.
- Look uphill. Follow water stains, dark wood or mold on the roof decking and rafters toward the high side.
- Check around penetrations: vent pipes, AC and cooler ducts, skylights and chimney chases.
- Look for daylight or nail tips with water stains around them.
Arizona attics can exceed safe temperatures in summer. Go up early in the morning and limit your time there.
Where do flat roofs usually leak?
Many Apache Junction homes have flat or low-slope roofs with foam, elastomeric coatings or roll roofing. Common leak points:
| Spot | What goes wrong |
|---|---|
| Ponding areas | Water sits after storms and works through weak spots |
| Scuppers and roof drains | Debris and dust block them, so water backs up |
| Parapet walls and caps | Cracks let water into the wall and down inside |
| Coating cracks and blisters | Sun breaks down coatings over time |
| Cooler and AC curbs | Seals around equipment curbs fail |
| Seams in roll roofing | Edges lift and let water under |
Where do tile roofs usually leak?
On a tile roof, the tiles shed most of the water, but the underlayment beneath them is the real waterproof layer. Underlayment often wears out long before the tiles do, especially under Arizona sun. Leaks commonly come from cracked or slipped tiles, worn underlayment, valleys where two roof planes meet, and flashing around walls and penetrations. Walking on tile can break it, so leave tile inspections to a roofer.
Found where the roof is leaking but the ceiling is already wet? Get the attic and ceiling dried now.
Call: (856) 481-6893How do you do a hose test to find a roof leak?
- Wait for a dry day. Have a helper in the attic with a flashlight.
- Start at the lowest point near the suspected area and run a garden hose gently over one small section for several minutes.
- Move uphill in small sections, soaking one area at a time.
- When your helper sees water, you have found the area.
Only do this if you can stand on the roof safely. Never go on a roof during a storm, when it is wet, or in the midday heat.
What should you do once you find it?
- Have a roofer repair it, or tarp it until they can.
- Dry or replace wet insulation in the attic.
- Check the ceiling for sagging and dry it before patching. See how to fix a water-damaged ceiling.
- Find out whether your insurance covers it. Read does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks.