Tracing a Leaky Roof

Shine the light beam of a flashlight on the attic's ceiling. Look for wet insulation and discolorations. Inspect the attic's ceiling during daylight to seek any light shining through. Look for a water or mold trail and follow it to the area where the water enters the roof. Inspect the area around any roof penetrations, such as where wires enter the roof, vents, chimneys or along dormers.

Go outside and inspect the roof's surface. Look for any missing shingles or shingles that exhibit a dark, surface discoloration. Shingles help keep the water out of the home's ceiling. If shingles suffer damage or are missing, water will seep into the home.

Spray 4-foot sections of the roof with a burst of water. Saturate the area of the roof near the eves first. Work your way upward with the water. Do not spray water toward the roof's apex or the water will run off the highest point downward and you will be unable to locate the origin of the leak. Have an assistant inside the attic watch for leaks. The assistant should inspect the ceiling beneath each moistened area to see if it shows signs of leaking.