A reliable, quality roof is the first line of defense to protect your home. When you invest in a good roof, the materials and installation can last for years to keep your family safe and dry. But if a problem occurs and you are dealing with a leaking roof, it can have a domino effect that impacts many different parts of the building.
As a homeowner, it’s critical that you watch for the signs of a roof leak. The earlier you catch these leaky roof problems, the easier it is to avoid complications associated with these issues. Better yet – be proactive about care and maintenance for your roof so you can avoid leaks altogether and minimize damage to your home.
Here are a few of the most common signs that indicate you might have a leaking roof.
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Water Spots on Your Internal Ceiling or Walls
Even the smallest water spot on the ceiling or walls can be a red-flag warning about a leaking roof. If the roofing system allows in any amount of water, then it can start to run down the walls and ceilings and cause one or more spots to develop.
These water spots can vary in color, size, and location. For example, a light spot might indicate that the roof leak is in its earliest stages. But if you delay roof repair and leave the leaking roof untreated, it can develop into mold issues that cause further discoloration in the affected areas.
Not only do these water stains affect the aesthetics and appearance of your home, but they are signs of underlying issues that need to be corrected. Don’t just paint over the stains. Instead, get to the root of the issues so you can correct the problem immediately and prevent structural issues in the future.
Mold on Your Exterior Walls
Mold contamination is often a concern for homeowners. When water damage occurs and the roof leaks, it leaves moisture that creates the ideal conditions for mold growth. Depending on the location of your roof leak, you might notice mold on the interior or exterior wall.
The first issue with mold is that it causes discoloration. You will notice different colors that start to show up, including black, green, pink, orange, and more.
Another problem with mold growth and water damage is that it can cause structural issues with your home. The more the mold spreads, the more your home is damaged. In fact, mold restoration can cost tens of thousands of dollars because of the in-depth work that is required to get rid of the mold and repair the damaged areas.
Finally, the presence of mold in the home can be a threat to your health. When you are breathing in high levels of mold spores throughout the day, it can contribute to allergies, asthma, and other upper-respiratory conditions.
Buckling, Cracking, or Damaged Shingles
If you want to inspect for a leaking roof, look at the current condition of your shingles. The presence of damaged shingles is one of the first signs that water could be leaking into the ceiling and walls.
Shingles can be damaged in many different ways. Look for signs of cracks on the shingles, buckling, or any other visible damage that is changing the shape or durability of the shingles.
Damaged or Missing Metal Flashing
In addition to the durability and positioning of the shingles, you also need to have sturdy and durable metal flashing in place. If you see that the metal step flashing is either missing or damaged, you should call a roofing contractor right away. These visible issues are signs of a leaking roof.
One common cause of problems with metal flashing is ice damming that occurs in the colder months. The water drips or fills the cracks and spaces. Then it expands when it freezes and causes damage to the roof. As the ice melts, the water flows into your home and results in water damage, dripping, mold, and more.
The Sound of Dripping
Finally, pay attention to the sounds you hear in your home. For example, if there is a dripping sound, the most obvious place is to check the faucets and plumbing. But it’s also possible that a leaking roof could be the cause of the dripping noise.
Whenever you can hear dripping, it’s essential that you protect your home by calling a roofing expert right away. We will complete a full inspection, including the quality of your roofing materials – such as the roof vents, shingles, flashing, and more.
The goal is to identify these issues in the earliest stages. Then, minor repairs can be completed to help you avoid major problems in the future. A little bit of maintenance right now is a great way to save you a lot of money on renovations or full roof replacement in the future.