Roof Repair
Leaks, missing shingles, failed flashing and storm damage fixed properly, so the repair lasts as long as the roof around it.
Roof Leak Detection: Find Where the Water Gets In
Water runs along rafters, decking and pipes before it drips. The spot on your ceiling can be several feet from the hole in the roof. Finding the true entry point is the whole job.
How we track a leak down
We start inside, at the stain, and work up into the attic to follow the water trail on the wood. Then we go onto the roof above that area and check the usual suspects: flashing at walls and chimneys, pipe boots, valleys, exposed fasteners and any place two roof planes meet.
When the source is not obvious, a controlled water test on one section at a time shows exactly where it comes in.
Where roofs leak most often
Flashing that has lifted or rusted. Rubber pipe boots that have cracked in the sun. Valleys clogged with debris. Shingles lifted by wind. Nails that have backed out of the deck. On flat roofs, open seams, failed flashing at the edges and drains that no longer carry water away.
Leaks that only show up sometimes
A leak that appears only in wind-driven rain usually points to flashing or a wall detail. A leak in winter with no rain can be ice backing water up at the eaves, or warm moist air condensing in a cold attic. We sort out which one it is before anyone starts tearing into the roof.
Roof Leak Detection near you
Three staffed offices cover Delaware County and Chester County. Pick the one closest to your roof.
County pages: Delaware County roofing and Chester County roofing.
Roof Leak Detection questions
How do you find a roof leak?
We trace the water from the stain up through the attic to the roof deck, then inspect the roof above that area. If needed, we run water over one section at a time until the leak shows.
Why does my roof only leak in heavy rain?
Heavy or wind-driven rain pushes water into places normal rain does not reach, such as behind flashing or under lifted shingles. That pattern helps us narrow down the source.
Can a leak cause damage I cannot see?
Yes. Water can soak insulation, rot the roof deck and feed mold inside a ceiling long before a stain appears. That is why a small drip is worth fixing quickly.
Is a ceiling stain always a roof leak?
No. Plumbing, an air conditioning line or attic condensation can leave the same mark. We check the attic first so you are not paying for a roof repair you do not need.
Can you find leaks on a flat roof?
Yes. On flat roofs we check seams, flashing, penetrations and drains, and we look for ponding areas where standing water finds its way through.
Do you repair the leak once you find it?
Yes. Once we know the source, we give you a written estimate for the repair. Many leaks can be fixed on the same visit.
Related roofing services
Flat Roofing
EPDM, TPO and modified bitumen roofs installed and repaired on rowhomes, additions, porches and commercial buildings.
Roof Inspection
A full look at shingles, flashing, vents and the attic, with photos and a plain explanation of what needs attention now and what can wait.
Ready for a straight answer on your roof?
Tell us what is going on and we will come out, look at it and give you a written estimate. No pressure.