Roof Leaks, The Ultimate Nightmare:

---

Locating the source of a roof leak can be challenging. Often, leaks emerge in a different location from where they become visible. To pinpoint the source, adopt a mindset of "thinking like H2O." Typically, water infiltrates the house through worn, broken, or missing shingles, areas where nails have become loose, or corroded, poorly sealed roof flashing, vents, skylights, or shifted chimneys. It's also common to find leaks along the intersections of roof planes. Once water breaches the roofing, it travels along the sheathing, roof rafters, or the upper side of the ceiling until it finds a point to drip.

When searching for leaks, do so during or immediately after rain and in daylight. Enter the attic with a bright flashlight, stepping only on secure framing, avoiding insulation or the upper side of the ceiling, as these areas won't support your weight. Start above the point where the drip occurred and work your way upward, checking for dampness along the framing. If the weather has cleared, look for watermarks, stains, or discoloration on the wood, indicating moisture. Follow these indicators to the origin. Turn off the attic light and inspect for any holes around the damp area. Daylight may reveal the location on the roof. If it's still raining, place a bucket under the leak to collect water and minimize damage. Ensure the bucket has proper support, monitor its capacity, and address the leak when the weather permits.

For safety, avoid climbing onto a steeply pitched roof, stepping on plastic sheeting (especially if it's wet), and going onto the roof during a thunderstorm. Know your limits, and call a professional if necessary.

If you can't identify the cause of a leak from the attic or through visual inspection, wait for dry weather and enlist a friend for assistance.

Use a garden hose with nozzle control to conduct a water test for roof leaks. One person goes onto the roof with the hose, and the other enters the attic with a bucket and a strong light. The person in the attic observes while the one on the roof waters the roof with the hose, starting from the bottom (the eaves) and gradually working upward until water from the leak becomes visible in the attic. Remember to "Think like water" and follow the roof design when spraying water on the roof.

Once the leak is located, mark its position by pushing a nail through the hole. If necessary, mark the surface of the roof. The specific methods for repairing the roof leak will depend on the roofing material and the roof's construction.

Here's how to create an emergency cover for your leaking roof:

If you don't know the location of the leak hole:

1. Partially unroll or unfold enough heavy (6-mil) polyethylene sheeting to cover the leaking section of the roof, from eaves to peak. Add about 4 feet extra and cut it.

2. Wrap one end around a 2”x 4” and staple the plastic along the 2”x 4”.

3. Sandwich the assembly with a second 2”x 4” and nail the boards together.

4. Place the sandwiched end of the plastic along the eaves.

5. Stretch the sheeting from eaves to ridge, running it over the top of the ridge and down the other side a few feet.

6. Sandwich the top end of the sheeting with another 2”x 4” pair so the wind will not carry it away.

7. Do not nail any part of this assembly to the roof. Use rope.

If you know the location of the leak hole:

1. Sometimes, the leak can be temporarily fixed with a 12"x 12" piece of galvanized sheet metal flashing.

2. Slip the sheet metal flashing under the course above the hole.

3. Lift the damaged shingle with one hand and push the sheet metal flashing up underneath the shingle above, covering the hole.

4. You may need hand gloves to avoid hand cuts.

5. It may be necessary to pry up one or more roofing nails in the row above the damaged shingle so you can push the flashing all the way up under the course of shingles above the leak.

6. The intent is to shed the water over the metal, preventing further leakage.

7. Please be safe and do not climb your roof unless you are sure you are capable and prepared to complete the task.