If you have watermarks on the ceilings or walls of your home, this can be a sign of a roof leak. They can also appear on eaves and with the siding and cornice of your home. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find where they started. They can start due to things like nails puncturing the shingles, storm damage or wear of the shingles. If you suspect you have a leak on your roof, here are a few tips to help you find the source of the problem:

1. Measure The Distance From The Water Mark To The Edge Of The Roof

Before you get on your roof, measure from the wall where the leak is to the watermark. You can also use windows and doors as reference points to make finding the leak easier.  With the measurements, get on the roof and find the area. You can mark it with a stick of chalk to be able to know where to start. Do this for any potential leaks. This is just a reference point to start looking for the damage that is causing the leak.

2. Start From The Leaking Area And Inspect Up The Slope Of The Roof

When you start looking for the damage, you will want to start around the area that you have marked. The leak is more than likely up the slope of the roof if it is not right above where the watermark is. Look at shingles above the leaking area for any damage. If there are any vents or penetrations in the roof above the leak, it is possible that the problem is here. Check any rubber boots around vents and flashing for damage.  If these things are damaged, it is best to replace them rather patching them with roofing tar.

3. Look For Exposed Nails And Signs Of Storm Damage On Shingles Near Leaks

Exposed nails can often be the cause of a leaking roof. Sometimes, just removing the nail and adding a dab of roofing tar can repair the problem. You will want to look for any bumps or pits in the shingles. Also, look for any damage or loose shingles that may have been caused by a storm. Storm damage can sometimes be repaired by simply replacing the damaged shingles. If there is extensive damage due to things like hail, you may need to have more extensive repairs done to your roof.

These are some tips to help you find the source of your leaky roof. If you need help with these repairs, contact a residential roofing repair contractor like Skerlec Contracting. They can fix the problems with your roof, as well as inspect it for any other possible problems that may be hiding.