How is a roof leak found?
The stain on a ceiling is rarely under the hole in the roof. Water runs along rafters and decking before it drips, so the real entry point is usually higher up the slope.
A good leak search works in steps. First, check the attic for damp insulation, dark wood and daylight around penetrations. Next, inspect the roof surface for missing or cracked shingles, rusty nails and worn sealant. Then look at every flashing detail, since most leaks start there. When the source is still unclear, a controlled water test with a hose, one section at a time, can show where it enters.
Take photos of the stain and note when it appears, for example only in wind-driven rain or only during snow melt. That detail helps narrow the search. If hail is a possible cause, a full roof inspection will tell you whether this is one problem or many.

