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Roof Leak Detection: Gable Vent


by DoItYourself Staff

If you are looking for a problem in your roof, then your roof leak detection may suggest that your gable roof has a hole or crack in it which will allow you to correct any leaks in your roof. Checking the gable roof for any kind of leak is not always very popular, but you should be able to manage to check roof for any problems before you get into serious trouble. Checking a gable roof for signs of leaks allows you to ensure that you don't suffer water damage or have any other problems such as rot. If you have any kind of vent, then roof leak detection procedures will help you to save money.

Inspect the Roof

Once you have installed a gable roof into your attic, you will need to check it regularly. You should climb up onto the roof, and check the outside of the vent. Look for signs of rust if the vent is metal, or for signs of cracking or splitting if it is plastic. As well as checking the gable vent itself, you should also look at the roof around it. Check that the waterproofing is still in place around the vent, and that there is no sign of the roof bowing or becoming misshapen where it touches the roof. Touch the caulking around the edge of the roof. If it comes away easily, then you may need to add another layer to prevent water moisture seeping in. 

Check the Seal

The next thing to do is to check the internal condition of the gable vent. Look at the attic during the middle of the day, so that you can see clearly what is happening without relying on electric lighting. Stand back from the vent, and examine it to see if there is any light showing. A certain amount of light from the center of the vent is to be expected, but a strong beam needs to be checked again to insure that it is not near a crack. You should then get close to the gable vent, and examine it for water stains or moisture. You may also look at the gable vent during a shower, as this may reveal leaks.

Check the Ventilation

Even if your gable roof is not cracked or corroded, then you may still be suffering from poor circulation of air, which can allow rain or snow to be sucked into the vent. Rain or moisture will not be able to escape from the attic if there is poor ventilation, and this may result in you finding pools of water on the floor, or damp woods.

Take Consultation

If you have performed your roof leak detection, and come across anything which makes you unsure about the roof vent, then you can always call in an expert. They may be able to advise you on methods of solving the problem. You could also search on the Internet for free advise about solving your leak.

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