How To Test Existing Roof For Leakage

Recaulk the corner flashing if any areas have hardened caulk.

How to test existing roof for leakage.

Let the water run for 10 minutes to rule out each component from the bottom up. Look for damp spots on the underside of your roof. Confirm that the source of the water on the inside of the home is a result of a roof leak and not due to a problem associated with other components of the home. Also look for a thin stream of water flowing down one of the rafters.

Astm e1105 and aama 501 2 test methods are good overall methods commonly used to test exterior walls sloped glazing and shallow pitched roofs to help identify leak sources. Begin by locating the leak on the inside of the home. If your roof is leaking right now go into the attic with a flashlight and some chalk to mark with while it s raining. If you have an attic the easiest way to spot the leak is to up there on a rainy day.

The farther you move away from where the leak is showing on the interior the more time you will have to give each component to test for leaking due to the fact that if that component is leaking the water now has to run farther before it shows on the interior. Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Have your helper stay inside the house waiting for the drip to appear.

Have a roofer go on the roof with a running garden hose. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. On a nice day have a helper tap on the mark while you re on the roof. Start at the lowest point that the water could be entering the roof system.

Have one person look in the attic and one person in the home. Then do a simple water test. Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along. First have your roofer do a visual inspection for obvious areas where water could enter your home.

Once you locate the source of the water mark the area. Other sources of potential leaks in the home include plumbing roof scuppers roof drains hvac and condensation. This astm testing procedure utilizes a calibrated spray rack with specific water pressures nozzles and distances to wet a wall with water at the rate of five gallons per square foot per hour.