The 2017 hurricane season was the most expensive hurricane in U.S. history, causing more than $200 million in damage. The roof probably causes some damage, but you don’t need a hurricane to make the roof leak.
Knowing if you have a leaking roof can be hard, especially if it is coming from a hidden area. You should not ignore these seven signs that show you could have a leaking roof.
1. Signs of a leaking roof
Routine inspections of your roof can be very enlightening. They can notify you of potential problems in advance. It is better to resolve potential problems earlier than to wait for the damage to complete. Besides, your local roofing company will provide this service for free!
2. Mold
Mold needs water to grow. If water seeps into the structure of the building, it may encourage the growth of mold.
Mold can damage building materials and weaken their strength, so it is hazardous. It also looks terrible. In some cases, mold may harm your health, especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma.
3. Deformed shingles
The first sign of this phenomenon may be herpes zoster deformity. Look for twisted or twisted shingles. Any water that enters the structure at this time may travel a certain distance before showing signs in other locations of the building below.
4. Stains
Leaks may cause discoloration of the ceiling. It may not be evident at first, but it will gradually get worse. You may find a darker ring on the outside of the leak.
Over time, moisture will attract mold or algae. This will then fade the ceiling, leaving a stained ceiling.
The stains inside the house may be on the walls, around windows, or in the corners. It is unwise to ignore any new stains. No matter how small or light the stain is, the source should be investigated.
A small stain does not mean that the leak is minor. This may indicate a more significant problem elsewhere.
If there is enough water, a leak may cause dripping. This will form puddles in your ceiling and spread gradually.
5. Damp exterior wall
Pay attention to the mold or moss growing on the exterior wall. These indicate a continuous water supply. If no measures are taken, problems on the outside of the wall may cause internal moisture problems.
A damp wall may be the first sign of a problem elsewhere. Check for gutters, downpipes, or other problems with the roof above the walls.
6. Flash damage
Many corners and joints of the roof will be protected by waterproofing. These areas are potential weak points in your roof. Therefore, they are prone to damage and leakage.
Regularly checking for cracks and lose burrs is an excellent way to eliminate any problems in sprouting. Check the flashing part of your daily routine. It is an excellent time to check to prevent damage from leaks at the end of summer and after winter.
7. Lost shingles
Routine inspections of the roof will reveal missing shingles. If there is no planned inspection, you may not notice until it is too late and the damage has started.
If you experience severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, hail, or strong winds, it is also a good idea to check for shingles. Look for any shingles that are missing, broken, or otherwise damaged. Repair lost shingles immediately.
8. Gutter dripping
The most obvious sign of a leak in a gutter is the sight of dripping water. This can happen when there is rain on the roof, or the rain stops.
The dripping of the gutter means that it is not doing the right job. The purpose of the gutter is to take rainwater away from the structure of the building. Dripping means that the water is not taken away.
Leaking drains can allow water to enter the structure of your house. Long after the rain stops, your house may be damaged here.
If the gutter is blocked, it will overflow and cause dripping. If the debris in the gutter is composed of roofing material, please check if this is due to other damage to the roof.
If the gutter has been damaged, then water could leak through your gutter. Your gutter drain should be fixed to stop any more damage from happening.
When roof repairs are needed, hire a contractor that is reliable because not all contractors are going to be the same.
Roof repairs can protect your house from significant, expensive damage. It is essential to complete the work, but it isn’t easy to check the work due to location. This is why it is so important to find a trusted and well-known roofing contractor.
Talk to the contractor and ask them to provide references and comments. Choose an ethical contractor. A person who has shown a commitment to your community, such as Austin Roofing and Construction, donated a free roof to Community First Village.
Take action
Leaking roofs is an imminent problem. Once you find signs of roof leaks, take immediate action. You will be happy to do it yourself and avoid the cost of significant repairs.