Often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier such as at ceiling light fixtures.
Roof leak with clap board ceiling.
Your leak is a gutter problem if there is a clear issue with an element of the gutter system or definite water coming from the gutters end caps downspout or gutter seams etc.
After all wood tends to rot warp and deteriorate if exposed to moisture for a long time.
Brown or gray ceiling discoloration.
Nail pops can also occur where the a nail or multiple nails push up and out causing the shingle above to lift eventually penetrating the top shingle and causing a leak.
If the leak is intermittent or slow the drywall around the crack may discolor because wet drywall is a favorite breeding ground for mold.
With a drill and 1 2 inch twist bit drill a hole in the center of the damaged area.
Examine the water leaking from the ceiling.
Make sure you patch any holes for equipment that has been removed.
If the leak is flowing water into your home through the ceiling and this area of water leakage is not near the eaves of your roof or your gutter system this is more.
Aside from the above visible signs there are also some obvious health side effects that can trigger you to realize you have mold in your home.
If there is active dripping drill at exactly the spot where the water is dripping.
A steady stream of water may now flow down into your bucket.
If your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier between the drywall and the attic insulation push the insulation aside and look for flow stains on the plastic.
Nails or screws that were used for mounting satellite dishes or other roof mounted equipment can leak.
If the water appears fresh there s a good chance it comes from a leaking plumbing line or fixture.
Contain the leak if you find water dripping from a bulges or discoloration in your ceiling it s likely that water is pooling on the other side of that bulge or dark spot.
The drywall itself may also be spongy and it may sag.
Some roof leaks are tough to locate.
When your ceiling leaks water the first casualty is usually the attic area along with the items that it contains.
If you have a faster leak dripping water may be pooling on the back side of the ceiling drywall and if so you cannot put off the repair.
Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak.
Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point.
Place a bucket below the damaged area of the ceiling or where dripping is occurring.
Visible mold growth usually dark green brown or black a musty odor near the area of the roof leak.
The drip however may also penetrate into the walls the flooring and your home s foundations.
If the leak isn t obvious have a helper watch in the attic while you get on the roof with a garden hose.
Grab a bucket trash can or some other container and place it under the site of the drip or suspected leak.