If you have started to notice that there are water stains across the ceilings or the walls in your home, chances are your home has a leaky roof. Even though some of the repairs are easy, even for DIYers, finding the source of the leak can be a bit trickier.

The following is a brief guide where you can learn tips and tricks for locating and repairing the most common types of leaky roofs.

It is important to find and repair a leak on your roof as quickly as possible, even if it is not causing many problems or you are planning on getting a roof replacement in the near future. Why? It does not take long for a small leak to turn into a bigger one and bring with it bigger problems. Some of these problems could be:

For example, an expensive repair bill for a flashing leak could have been avoided if the leak was repaired when there were water stains on the ceilings two years ago. When homeowners deal with repair issues immediately instead of waiting, the amount of damage and the money spent to repair the issue is dramatically reduced.

When you are looking for a roof leak, the first thing that you should do is try to identify any areas in the roof where water may be penetrating through. Roof penetration is typically the most common cause for roof leaks. In fact, it is very rare for leaks to develop in areas where shingles are uninterrupted, even on an older roof.

Anything that penetrates the roof can cause a leak whether it is next to the origin of the leak or several feet away. If you are able to access the attic, this will be the simplest way to look for evidence of the leak.

Tiny holes are very tricky because they cause mold and rotting years before they are detected. These can be caused by satellite or antenna mounting brackets.

If a missing or misplaced roofing nail is causing the leak, the hole can be patched. Do not use caulk, use flashing instead.

If the shingles are curled back, re-secure them by applying one or two coats of asphalt roofing cement. Apply a generous amount to the underside of the curled shingle to make sure the corners and edges are secured. Then, simply press on it firmly to set.

Is it necessary to replace a row of damaged shingles? If so, you may need to contact a professional roofer to further inspect the roof. Simple spot repairs will not extend the life of a damaged roof.