A leaking roof is more than an inconvenience: it is an issue that can cause serious damage and repercussions in your home. If the leak continues undetected, it can eventually lead to repairs and renovations that will cost tens of thousands of dollars on home services.
The problem is that it can be a challenge to locate roof leaks, especially when the roof has low pitches or is flat. As a homeowner, it’s essential to be diligent about monitoring the condition of your roof so that you can invest in repairs and roofing replacements as necessary.
The Importance of Finding Roof Leaks
The roof is designed to protect your home from rain, snow, and other weather elements throughout the year. The goal is to make the home as watertight as possible, preventing even the smallest amounts of water from coming inside. A new roof is sturdy and waterproof. But even the best quality roofing materials don’t last forever. Eventually, these materials start to break down, which can lead to leaking and other related issues. As soon as the roof fails and water starts making its way into the living space, you have a long list of problems on your hands. Not only will these leaks lead to water damage and mold in the walls, ceiling, insulation, and flooring, but a roof leak can also damage furniture and personal items. The losses can be monumental!
At the same time, untreated water damage in the home often leads to mold development. Having mold in your living space can have an undeniable impact on overall health and wellness. This dangerous mold should be avoided at all costs and cleaned up immediately if it is discovered. The best way to prevent mold is to invest in good roofing and housing materials that keep the water out of your home.
4 Signs Your Roof Is Leaking
You don’t need to be a roofing expert to identify signs of a roof leak in your home. Every homeowner should be educated about these signs of roof leaks to know when to call for professional roofing repairs.
Here are some of the telltale signs that you are having roofing problems and resulting leaks:
- Water Stains: One of the first things you might notice is the development of water stains on the ceiling and walls. Look around the inside of your home, especially on the top floor. Do you see brown, yellow, or faint stains or discoloration on the paint? Then it could be due to a leaking roof. It’s common for these water spots to be located in the center of the room, but you might also notice them along an exterior wall or in the corners. Usually, the water will flow across the top of the plaster or sheetrock and then rest in the lowest point, which is where the water stains will appear.
- Mold: The development of mold is always a big red flag. If you find mold on exterior walls, it is a pretty good indication that your roof leaks. One potential cause is that a downspout is emptying near the wall, or the roof is leaking in that area. You can find the root of the problem or contact a roofer for assistance locating the cause of your mold development. Not only do you need roofing assistance, but you should also bring in a mold remediation expert as well.
- Dripping Sounds: Listen closely when the house is quiet at night. Do you hear the sound of dripping in the attic? Then it could be that a roof leak is occurring. One potential cause during the winter is the formation of an ice dam on the roof. When the water freezes and thaws, it causes damage to the roof and creates weak points where water can leak inside.
- Puddles of Water: Look at the roof and see if you can identify any puddles of water after a rainstorm. This risk is more common for flat roofs or roofs that have crevices or pitches that can hold water. You might be able to see a puddle of water on the roof and a corresponding water stain inside. Or, you might notice that an unidentified puddle of water has shown up inside your house.
Why Is Your Roof Leaking?
Once you have identified that your roof is leaking, the next step is to find the cause of the leak. You need to know the underlying issue so that you can prevent water from coming in later on. Fixing this issue will stop the leak and also prevent mold and water damage in the future.
These culprits of leaking roofs can also be visible signs that you have a leak on your hands:
- Damaged or Missing Shingles: The quality of your shingles is an important factor that affects the sturdiness and durability of the roof. If you see that shingles are missing, broken, cracked, or disintegrating, then it’s a spot where water might be able to come inside. Make sure to replace these shingles as soon as possible. If there are a lot of missing or broken shingles, then your roofing contractor might recommend full replacement instead of repairs.
- Damaged or Missing Flashing: Metal flashing is located around the roof, vents, chimney, and other features of your home. This metal is designed to improve the water resistance of your home. If there are areas where the flashing has been damaged or is missing completely, then water can seep inside. Rusted flashing is one issue. Flashing can be damaged by high winds, storms, or cracking.
- Damaged or Missing Gutters: The roofing system and gutters work hand-in-hand to protect your home from water damage. If you can see that the gutters are clogged, damaged, or missing, then it’s a possibility that you might have roofing damage in that area as well. In addition to roofing repair, make sure to also repair the gutter system to avoid these issues in the future.
Call the Roofing Experts for Personalized Advice
When you find signs that your roof is leaking, the most important thing you can do is call the local roofing experts for assistance. Our team is just a phone call away, and we are proud to be the local home improvement and construction experts in Menomonee Falls, WI. Reach out to Better View Home Improvements at your convenience. You can contact us online or call our office: (262) 415-7011.