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How to know if your roof is leaking – Our Guide

Roof leaks are not always easy to detect as the source may not be so apparent. Although you may see some obvious signs of leaks on the inside of your house, including discolouration, mould, mildew, and water dripping down the ceiling, it is another story to determine where these problems originate from.

Without identifying the source of the leak, there is no way that you can fix the issue properly. While roof leaks can be a nightmare for many homeowners, it does not always have to be. Here are a few easy things that you can do to locate a roof leak:

  1. Inspect in the Light

It goes without saying that looking for a leak at night is not such a good idea. It is always best to search for a leak on your roof during the day. Also, bring a big, bright flashlight with you to the roof so that you can see everything clearer. Make sure that you are careful while climbing up on the roof. Keep in mind that only the framing timbers are sturdy enough to bear your weight. Therefore, make sure that you don’t step on any insulation or drywall.

  1. Trace Backward to the Source

Follow where the water ends and work your way up to the roof. Most of the times, the leak is not directly over the area in question, but rather it has flowed down the rafters and the sheeting until there is a place where it can dribble. Search for stains or any discolourations on the wood. Once you find them, you can go ahead and trace them back to their starting point.

  1. Conduct a Water Test

In the case that you cannot find the source of the leak no matter how hard you look, it is recommended that you wait for everything to dry up first. When the weather has cleared up, you can ask a friend or family member to assist you with a water test. Ask them to go up on the roof with a garden hose while you are in the attic trying to find where the water gets in. Make sure that your helper is working on one area at a time instead of splashing water all over the roof. After you have found the hole, mark the area with chalk or anything that will be easy for you to spot during the actual repair time. 

Read Also: Roofing Contractors in Edinburgh, UK: 3 Best Companies

When You Should Call a Roofing Professional

The severity and complication of your roof issue will depend on various factors, including the roofing structure, the location of the leak, and the age of the roof. These factors will determine whether you can repair the roof by yourself or whether you need a professional to lend a hand. The following are some of the instances in which assistance from an expert is recommended:

  • Your roof is steep
  • Your house is over two stories high
  • The roof is old and disintegrating including slipped or broken tiles
  • You don’t have the right tools
  • You have no knowledge of roof repairs

In sum, if you have zero experience in roofing, then it is better that you let a professional Edinburgh roofers handle do the work for you.

If you’re looking for reputable, professional Edinburgh roofing contractor services , Ronald Graham Roofing is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

Ronald G Graham Roofing is a great roofing contractor in Edinburgh. Check out reviews, request an estimate, verify certification, and see photos of completed projects.

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Ronald Graham
I have been involved in the roofing and building industry for more than 35 years. I am a former board member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and the Scottish Stone Liaison Group. I am a Member of the Institute of Roofing, Advanced Roofer (CITB), Qualified Scaffold Inspector (CITB), Site Safety Management (CITB) alongside my many other roofing qualifications. Since its founding in 1986, Ronald Graham has earned its reputation as a roofing and building contractor of high standard work. Our own success is grounded in the company’s dedication to the success of its client work and its people.

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