Leaks almost always start at “breaks” in the roof: pipe boots, vents, chimneys, skylights, valleys, ridge, or where walls meet the roof. Start inside—look for stained drywall, peeling paint, or damp insulation in the attic. Trace the stain uphill (water runs along framing). Outside, check that shingles lie flat, boots aren’t cracked, and metal flashing is tight and sealed. If it’s dry out, you can do a gentle “hose test”: one person sprays low and slow around one area at a time while another watches inside for drips. Stay off steep or slick roofs—binoculars from the ground are fine if you’re not comfortable.
Short-term: catch water, protect valuables, and use a tarp if needed. For lasting fixes, replace cracked boots, re-fasten loose flashing, swap damaged shingles, and clear debris so water drains freely. Skip goopy “miracle” patches on whole areas—they often fail. Prevent leaks by cleaning gutters, trimming branches, keeping valleys clear, and checking after big storms. Ask a roofer for photos of the problem and the repair. A quick yearly inspection plus small fixes beats chasing leaks during rain.