Finding a leak in your roof may require you to do a bit of detective work. The first indication of a problem is moisture in your home. You may notice discoloration on the wall or ceiling, peeling paint or wallpaper, or a damp smell. Next, you must trace the moisture back to its origin, which may not coincide with its location inside the house. A leak will be easier to trace if your attic ceiling is unfinished. Check the underside of the roof with a flashlight on a rainy day to see if water is seeping through. Using safety precautions for handling fiberglass, check the insulation for dampness or discoloration. Finding the source of a leak when your attic has a finished ceiling is more difficult. To ensure the water is actually coming from a leak in the roof, check plumbing pipes and radiators that could also be the cause of the problem. When you have exhausted all the possibilities indoors, check the roof itself for badly cupped, torn, or curled shingles that could have been caused by wind and temperature extremes. Be sure that you only inspect the roof in dry weather, as shingles can be slippery and you could also further damage the roof. Once you have taken the appropriate safety measures, check the caulking around the chimney and vent pipes. This could also be a possible source of leaks if not corrected. For more information on roofing repairs, contact a roofing specialist.
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