<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=329989710762003&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

How to Find a Roof Leak With No Attic

[fa icon="calendar"] Sep 4, 2017 3:01:00 PM / by Krystal Coddington

Krystal Coddington

how to detect a roof leak with no attic access

A water stain in your house unexpectedly appeared out of nowhere. After a few attempts to hide it with concealing paint, it continues to reappear. It is the first thing visitors ask about, and the idea of structural damage is starting to come to mind.

In Southern Nevada? Request a free estimate to get help fixing any problems you  have with your roofing system →

Don’t let ceiling water stains let you down. It is a common issue in houses that do not have an attic. Did you know bad plumbing, windows, and condensation from pipes are leading factors? Your home is a place of sanctuary, and it can continue to stay that way with our helpful tips.

Related: How Long Does a New Roof Last?

Roof Leak Detection with No Attic Access Whatsoever

If you decide to prolong repairing your roof, keep in mind that water can cause structural damage to your property. The cost of fixing structural damage not only puts you and your family’s safety at risk but it can be expensive. Here’s how to detect roof leaks without an attic:

Checking for Ceiling Stains

One of the few indicators is a brown spot on your ceiling. It means water is entering from the circular stain to the direction of the long flow of water in the opposite direction.  

If your ceiling is an angle on a slope, it will go in the direction from the top of the roof to the bottom. If not fixed within a timely manner, it will eventually move to the side of the wall.

Checking the Exterior of the House

If you noticed rust or the step flashing is loose, there is a high chance that water from rain or snow is seeping through your ceiling. It can be a challenge to replace step flashing because it is connected to the adjacent siding and the roof.

In addition to the step flashing, check other siding materials on the roof for gaps. If there is an opening on the exterior side of your windows, this is another area to consider for replacing.

Checking on Top of the Roof

The best way to find the source of a water leak on your roof is to check if there is an opening in the seals located on the roof jacks. It is found on the PVC pipes that acts as a vent for sewer gases. We listed a few other signs that are easy to find:

  • Black stains on the top of your roof
  • Shingles on your roof are missing
  • Shingles on the roof are starting to uplift
  • Wide cracks in the shingles

Don’t Simply Paint Over Ceiling Stains

One day you might decide to sell your property. The last decision you want to make is to hide these stains with paint with the new owner discovering the water stains before or after closing. You might be liable for it if they decide to consult a lawyer.

Related: How to Repair a Roof Leak in 3 Easy Steps

We highly recommend that you consult a roofer to prevent maintain your roof and fix or prevent major leaks before they ever happen.

Download Our Free Roofing Guide

Krystal Coddington

Written by Krystal Coddington