Roof Leak
I have been informed by a tenant that the ceiling was dripping water last night (after a long rain) so i suspect that I have a roof leak. The leak is near a valley in the roof where some leaves have collected (which I will remove today). I also intent to get up into the attic and hopefully see where the water is coming in. Any suggestions on how to locate the leak on the roof and repair this?
Sometimes leaks in attics can be hard to find. They can often travel quite a way from the actual leak, running down the slope of the roof or trusses, and end up puddling a long way away. Were you unable to find the leak above the ceiling where it was dripping?
As Chris pointed out, wet insulation is a good giveaway, but sometimes water can get under the insulation and create a puddleby running down a joist without ever getting the top of the insulation visably wet. I always pull the wet insulation out and throw it away since it acts like a sponge and holds the water for a long time.
Are you going to run a dehumidifier to dry out the sheetrock to prevent mold?
garden hose?
I recently had the same thing happen.........the water damage was over a valley however after further investigation (using a water hose), the leak originated from improperly installed ridge vent. The water was traveling down a rafter until it hit the valley rafter at which time it dripped onto the insulation and drywall.
Use a garden hose and with another person in the attic with a flash light..........pour water on the to roof working from the bottom of the roof upward. Use the valley as a divider......first one side and then the other.
good luck
NC
Thanks for the ideas everyone! Will try them out