How to Spot Signs of a Roof Leak
A stained ceiling or dripping walls are clear signs of a roof leak. Ignored, this can lead to severe structural damage and costly repairs. A leaky roof also encourages mold and mildew growth, which can cause health problems. Moreover, it can be a safety hazard if the water gets into the electrical wiring system.
For this reason, it’s always advisable to address signs of a roof leak as soon you identify them. There are many signs of a roof leak, besides stained ceilings and dripping walls. Let’s look at some of them.
Common Signs of a Roof Leak
- Ceiling stains
- Mold on walls
- Persistent unpleasant smells
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Missing or damaged flashing
- Stains around the bathroom fan
- Damaged gutters or a missing gutter apron
Ceiling Stains
Once the roof starts leaking, the water flows and gathers at the lowest point. Over time, this causes yellow or brown stains on the ceilings. If unaddressed, the ceiling often decays and develops pinholes letting water into the house.
Mold on Walls
A leaky roof may also cause water to drip along the walls that leads to staining over time. In addition, you might notice mold growing on the walls, especially if the downspout empties near the wall.
Persistent Unpleasant Smells
If your roof leaks, it can cause musty smells due to wet insulation. Whenever you notice a persistent musty smell, even after continually freshening up your indoors, you might need to investigate your roof for any leaky spots.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Missing, cracked, or damaged shingles may leak water and damage your home. You should inspect your roof regularly and schedule necessary repairs or replacement of any damaged or missing shingles in a timely manner.
Missing or Damaged Flashing
If the metal flashing around the vent edges is missing or damaged, water can leak into the home. Often, the damage is due to rusting or cracking from harsh weather. By inspecting them regularly, you can identify the rusty or missing ones and replace them to prevent further roof damage.
Stains Around the Bathroom Fan
If your bathroom ceiling has stains around the fan, it could be a sign of the roof leaking through the vent cap, especially if you have already insulated the fan duct. A quick inspection of the vent cap can establish whether the staining is due to leaking or condensation.
Damaged Gutters or a Missing Gutter Apron
If the gutter apron is missing, water may damage the gutter leading to rot. Once you notice stains on the fascia, you need to inspect the gutter and replace any damaged or missing parts.
What to Do After Spotting Signs of a Roof Leak
Of course, once you spot signs of a roof leak, it’s vital to repair or replace the damaged part immediately to avoid further damage. If you’re a handy person, you may want to do the repair yourself, but in most cases, having a professional inspect and handle the issue is recommended.
Roof replacement can be costly and having the repairs done correctly goes a long way to guarantee the structural integrity and durability of the roof and the surrounding structures. Finally, you should remember to take photos or a video of the damage before repairs begin as evidence to present to your insurer where the damage is eligible for a claim.
Call Us If You Think You Have a Roof Leak
Signs of a roof leak are a clear indication your roof needs immediate repair or replacement to avoid further damage to your home and protect your family from health and safety hazards. Timely repairs can also save you money, as extensive damage can be costly.
While ceiling stains and dripping walls are obvious signs of a leaky roof, persistent unpleasant smells, missing or damaged shingles, flashing and gutters, and stains around the bathroom fan should also be investigated to establish whether they’re due to leaking on the roof.
If you suspect your roof is leaking, we can help you inspect it and address the problem accordingly. Contact us and let us assist you.