Roof Leak Detection in Florida Homes (Step-by-Step Guide)

This guide will show you how to perform roof leak detection and identify a roof leak in your Florida home. Some leaks are easy to spot in the attic, but others take more effort. That’s why we created this helpful guide.

These practices can apply to a property whether it’s a commercial property or residential; the same practices apply.

Start by inspecting inside the house using specific methods to locate the roof leak. Once on the roof, the steps will vary based on the roofing type. Lastly, if the leak remains hidden, we’ll cover what to do next.

With over 20 years of experience locating leaks in Florida’s toughest weather, our OSHA-trained, GAF-certified team follows Florida Building Code standards during every inspection—combining safety, compliance, and technical precision to help homeowners spot issues early.

Initial Steps for Detecting a Roofing Leak

Below are the first steps for finding a roof leak on any type of roofing system in Florida, whether it’s flat, sloped, shingle, metal, or tile.

Measure the Leak From Inside the Dwelling

You’ll need to know the exact measurement of the leak inside the dwelling so you can pinpoint the exact spot once you are in the attic.

This is important because old stains from previous leaks may confuse you. Make sure you’re identifying the current leak. Begin by measuring the distance from the leak to two outside walls. Use either the outside walls of the house or the attic opening as your reference point.

If you have a flat roof and there is no attic space, you’ll still need these measurements once you are on the roof. Before climbing up, it’s worth doing a quick detection survey of the interior area to see if there are multiple damp spots or stains indicating more than one leak source.

Inspecting Inside the Attic With Your Measurements

In Florida homes, especially near the coast, attic inspections are crucial due to wind-driven rain and high humidity. Use the measurements from the previous step to locate the leak from inside the attic.

If the stains and entry point of the leak aren’t obvious, you might have to move some insulation to get a clear look at the top side of the ceiling. You can also use a moisture detection meter, moisture surveys, leak detectors, or other leak detection systems inside the attic or interior ceiling to identify hidden damp spots that aren’t yet visible. Take note of the stains and follow them up to the bottom side of the roof surface.

 

Specific Items to Look For in the Attic:

  • Nails: Water can travel along the attic trusses, pipes, and down the roof decking. Use your flashlight to follow the stains until you locate the entry point. Sometimes, it will lead to a nail where the water is just dripping from the nail or a seam in the plywood decking.
  • Decking: If the water is dripping from where two pieces of plywood come together, the leak is occurring higher up, but you won’t be able to identify it from inside.
  • Valleys: If the leak enters at a valley, it may travel far before becoming visible inside the attic. These leaks are harder to detect because framing can hide the entry point and water stains.
detecting roof leak

Before leaving the attic space, take note of any pipes, walls, or vents in the area of the leak. This can help you quickly identify the location once you’re on the roof. You can also measure the two outside walls to the leak point while you’re inside the attic. This will give you the most accurate measurement for when you’re on the roof.

Measurement Tip: Using a measuring tape in the attic is tricky. Instead, count plywood sheets from the eave—each is 4 feet long. Trusses are usually 24 inches apart, so double-check spacing before counting.

Locate the Leak From On Top of the Roof

Once you’re on the roof, take note of any penetrations mentioned in the last step. Use your measurements from the attic to detect the entry point of the leak. From here, you’ll need to look for the leak in different ways depending on the type of roofing system you are working with.

If your measurements lead to a pipe with damaged flashing or a leaking wall, the fix is straightforward. But if it’s less obvious, follow the next steps.

Shingle Roofs

On a shingle roof, to detect a roof leak, look for rusty nails, as they are a clear sign of a leak. Lift some tabs around the area where your measurements lead you and look for rusty nails. Follow them up the roof until they stop.

You might also discover damage leading to a wall or penetration where the flashing has been compromised. For example, a roof vent that allows wind-driven rain to get in or a pipe flashing that is damaged.

Tile Roofs

Tile roof structures are tricky because leaks often require tile removal to pinpoint the exact source. The waterproofing material underneath may be the issue. If the issue is near a vent or damaged wall flashing, it might be more obvious. Once tiles are removed, you’ll see if seams in the underlayment or wall flashing are compromised.

Metal Roofs

Depending on whether you have a standing seam or corrugated metal roof, the signs of a leak may vary. On corrugated metal systems, loose screws are often the culprit. For both types, look for damaged flashing, overlapping seams, rust, or holes in the panels. Water may travel along the metal before entering, so the damage might be a few feet from the actual leak.

Flat Roofs

Detecting leaks on flat roofs can be more challenging since there’s often no attic. Water can travel horizontally or between layers of material. Look for points of entry near flashing and penetrations, small punctures in the membrane, and seams pulling apart, using detection tools when needed to locate hidden moisture.

Keep Your Safety in Mind During Inspections

Working in an attic or climbing onto a roof isn’t something to take lightly. In the attic, always step only on the trusses, never on the ceiling drywall, but keep in mind that in some older Florida homes, termite damage can weaken those trusses. Be careful where you place your weight. Watch out for nails poking down through the roof decking; they’re easy to bump into when you’re crawling through tight spaces.

Once you’re on the roof, start with proper ladder safety; secure both the bottom and the top so it can’t slide while you’re getting on or off. Wear a safety harness and good footwear with grip to help prevent slips. And if you can, do your inspection in the cooler part of the day. Florida’s heat can turn a roof into an oven, and working in safer conditions makes the whole process easier and less risky.

Additional Things to Look For When Detecting a Roof Leak

Florida homes often have stucco, which can crack and let water seep behind the wall and flashing, mimicking a roof leak.

Also, keep an eye out for:

  • Overflowing gutters or downspouts that concentrate roof moisture to one spot.
  • Flat or “dead” valleys that fail to drain properly.
  • Insufficient slope on flat roofs causing water to pool, accelerating wear and voiding warranties.

According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, routine inspections are recommended at least twice per year—in the spring and fall—as well as after severe weather events. These inspections help extend the life of your roof and catch problems before they turn into costly repairs.

The Final Leak Detection Step – Water Test / Wet Testing

If none of these tactics work, try a water test. Section off parts of the roof and walls, using a hose to replicate rain until you pinpoint the leak’s location.

Common Questions About Detecting Roof Leaks

How can I tell if my roof is leaking or if it’s something else?

Start by checking for discoloration on ceilings, peeling paint, or musty smells. Then follow the steps in this guide to confirm whether water is entering from the roof or another source like AC ducts or plumbing.

Can roof leaks be detected without going in the attic?

Yes, but it’s harder to detect a leak without doing so. Sometimes you can use exterior inspections and strategic wet testing to pinpoint leaks without attic access. 

How do I detect a leak in a flat roof with no attic?

Use measurements from inside the home and inspect for punctures, seam separation, or water pooling directly above the leak. Keep in mind that a leak on a flat roof can travel from a distance of up to 20 feet away. So you’ll need to inspect directly above the area of concern and then slowly work your way out and around. 

Call All Pro Builders and Roofers to Find the Roof Leak

With over 20 years of roofing experience, our team uses professional-grade thermal imaging and proven techniques to find leaks on any type of roof. If these steps feel overwhelming, give us a call. We provide free inspections across Florida, from Miami to Fort Lauderdale and throughout Palm Beach County. Let us handle the hard work so you don’t have to—schedule a free roof inspection or learn more about our roof repair services.

Sales@AllProBuildersRoofing.com
(561) 662-3497