Flat roofs are more susceptible to leaks than any other roofing type. That’s because they often lack a path of water that runs off in a given direction, and no traces lead you to the leak.
This can happen even after the best spray foam roof installation, and finding the precise source might seem impossible at first. But don’t worry – we have a few ideas worth trying out. Join us as we reveal 8 steps that will help you spot a flat roof leak.
Clear the Roof
Spotting signs of leakage is way easier on a debris-free roof void of leaves, sticks, and branches. You need a clear surface to move around the roof and seek indicators of damage. You’ll be tracking signs of cracks, punctures, blisters, or splitting on your leak hunt, so the last thing you need are leaves and branches.
Check Under the Roof
Noticing a wet or soft area in the ceiling is enough evidence of a leakage. Though it won’t tell you the precise location of the leak, it will assist you in tracing the area to begin looking for the culprit. Knowing where to seek will cut down the time spent on finding the leak, letting you get the essential fixes quickly.
Check Flashing, Collars, and Seams
You shouldn’t skip checking the protective roof features, such as:
- Roof flashing: The two-layered roof flashing made out of galvanized steel gets damaged easily. Rust, separation, and expansion let water get into the cracks.
- Collars: Look for dislodged or damaged collars. They tend to create gaps between the pipe and the roof.
- Seams: Seams that are slightly spread apart let water saturate the insulation easily.
Check Old Patches
Has your roof leaked in the past few months? Then, the patching material that fixed the flat roof leak could have deteriorated, letting the culprit of a former leak reopen and cause damage.
Check the Gutters
Have you noticed clogged, rusty, or broken gutters? Without quality drainage, water pools on the roofing, and you end up with a saggy roof that lets water seep inside your dwelling. If they are clogged, let an experienced roofer decide whether your roof leaks.
Check for Low Spots
Without low spots, water wouldn’t be able to sit in small pools in the first place. If it stands on your roofing system longer than 2 days, it means that there are low spots. And if this reoccurs multiple times, it may cause a leak to form.
Look for Mold Growth
Do you notice mold in the upper part of your home exterior? That’s probably caused by a leaking roof. Unfortunately, it won’t be located precisely where the leak was located. Still, it will guide you to the neighborhood and notify you that a leak exists.
Spray the Roof
Spray any problematic parts of the roof and check if the leakage area inside is showing signs of life. If you still can’t identify the root of the problem, strategically wet areas of the roof one at a time. This is a tedious yet efficient solution.
Foam Co Roofing: Your Go-to Residential Roofing Contractor
After reading our expert advice, you’ll eventually locate the culprit of your leak, but to get precise results, let professional roofers diagnose the issue. Foam Co Roofing, specializing in flat roof leak repair and replacement, has a skillful and experienced team that can inspect your roof and provide solutions.
Don’t let minor flat roof leaks turn into major water damage. Get in touch now, and we’ll restore your roof to a top-tier condition!