Find the actual leak, not just where it shows.
Active leak with no obvious cause? We trace water back to its entry point — valleys, flashing, vents, skylights — then write a fix that addresses the source.
Find the actual leak, not just where it shows.
Water shows up at the lowest point. The actual leak is almost never directly above the stain on your ceiling. Roof leak detection is the job of tracing water backward from where it appears, up the rafters, through the underlayment, to the entry point on the surface of the roof. Done right, you fix the leak permanently. Done wrong, you patch the symptom and the water comes back two months later one room over.
Common leak sources we find: failed pipe boots (the rubber gasket where the plumbing vent stack penetrates the roof — these go bad on a clock, every 10-15 years), corroded chimney flashing, cracked or missing shingles in valleys, ice dam damage from previous winters, separated ridge cap, and skylights with failed perimeter sealant.
Diagnosis usually takes about an hour. We document with photos, explain what we found, and give you a written fix quote on the spot. Most leak fixes can be done the same visit.
Four steps, no surprises.
Inside first
Look at the stain. Note the rafter direction. Estimate which roof plane the water is traveling down before exiting at the stain. Saves time on the roof.
On the roof
Walk the relevant plane. Check every penetration (vents, chimneys, skylights), valleys, and ridge. Soft spots in the underlayment usually indicate previous leaks.
Confirm with water
If we can’t identify the source visually, we run controlled water from a hose starting low and working up. The leak shows up inside in real time and we know exactly where it’s coming from.
Fix the source
Same visit when possible. Boot replacement, flashing renewal, shingle replacement, sealant work. Written warranty on the repair.
Roof Leak Detection FAQs
How much does leak detection cost?
We don’t charge separately for diagnosis. The repair quote includes the time spent finding it. Repairs usually run a few hundred dollars depending on what’s causing the leak.
How fast can you come?
Active leaks: same day or first thing next morning when possible. We carry tarps for temporary patches if a permanent fix has to wait.
Can you find leaks if it’s not raining?
Usually yes. Visible damage tells the story 90% of the time. For the other 10%, we run controlled water from a hose to recreate the leak under controlled conditions.
What if you can’t find the leak?
Rare, but it happens on complex roofs with multiple potential sources. In those cases we narrow it down systematically — check one source, eliminate it, move to the next. We’ll always tell you honestly what we did and didn’t find.
Ready to talk roof leak detection?
Free in-person inspection and written estimate. Talk to Preston or Heber directly. No high-pressure sales pitch.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Dedicated Builders today for a free, no-obligation estimate. We look forward to working with you.