Why Attic Inspections Are Essential for Tracing a Roof Leak
The Importance of an Attic Inspection
If you're dealing with a roof leak and calling a roofer for repairs, one of the most critical steps is an attic inspection. A thorough roofer should always check the attic before making any repairs.
Understanding the Leak
Recently, we inspected a home in Ridgewood, NJ with an active roof leak. The roof was only six years old, yet the homeowner had been dealing with this issue for quite some time.
About a year ago, another roofing company attempted a patch repair. They replaced two flashing kits and installed newer shingles around the pipe jack and pipe protrusion. While this was a legitimate repair, it didn’t solve the problem.
Where the Original Repair Went Wrong
The issue? The previous roofing company never checked the attic.
The leak was appearing in the bathroom, which usually points to flashing kit failures. Their assumption wasn’t entirely wrong, but without an attic inspection, they couldn’t pinpoint the exact source of the leak.
How Water Travels in an Attic
One of the key things homeowners don’t realize is how water moves once it enters the attic:
- Water can travel inside the attic before showing up as a visible leak.
- A leak in the bathroom ceiling doesn’t necessarily mean the water is entering at that spot.
- The actual entry point may be much higher on the roof, and the water runs down the roof decking until it reaches a weak point—such as the sheetrock ceiling.
In this case, the attic inspection revealed that the leak was originating from a different spot entirely.
Identifying the True Source of the Leak
By getting into the attic, we discovered a third problem area (Spot C) that was never addressed. The real culprit? A single nail pop that allowed water to penetrate the roofing system.
A nail pop occurs when a roofing nail, originally meant to secure the shingle, starts working its way out over time. This creates a tiny gap where water can enter, gradually saturating the decking beneath the shingles.
How a Nail Pop Leads to a Leak
A small nail pop can lead tomajor damage if left unchecked:
- Water seeps in through the nail hole.
- It travels down the roof decking, slowly saturating the wood.
- Over time, the decking absorbs moisture until it can no longer hold it.
- The water drips down onto the sheetrock, creating a visible leak in the ceiling.
By the time homeowners notice the issue, the water damage is already extensive.
Key Takeaway: Always Inspect the Attic
The most important lesson from this case?
If you hire a roofer to repair a leak, make sure they check the attic.
A
proper attic inspection helps:
✅ Identify the real source of the leak.
✅ Prevent unnecessary repairs that don’t address the root issue.
✅ Save you time and money by ensuring the problem is fixed correctly.
If you’re experiencing a roof leak, don’t settle for a quick patch job. Insist on a thorough inspection—including the attic—to get a long-term solution. Whether you need a detailed roof inspection or are searching for gutter and roof repair near me, ensuring the job is done right the first time will save you time and money.
Need a Roof Inspection? Contact Mattsson Roofing
At Mattsson Roofing, we take a detailed, solution-oriented approach to every repair. Our goal is to fix the problem at the source and ensure your roof lasts for years to come.
📞 Call us at 201.925.9709 or
CLICK HERE to schedule an inspection
