ok, so you can search for how to on leak repairs. you can search for how to find a leak. but this question is on the life cycle of leaks. i have noticed that alot of you have had experience with leaks...
I get up on my roof and crawl around at the beginning of the campin season and also at the end. Except for under the AC, I can pretty much tell if an area is susceptible to water intrusion. I would attempt to stop a leak ASAP and worry about the long term effects later.