WHAT’S CAUSING THE ROOF TO LEAK?
SIGNS OF A ROOF LEAK
When water spots are visible on the ceiling, it is obvious that you have a roof leak but you may find it difficult to pinpoint the cause of the leak. You may feel as if the shingles are the main reason for the leak. However, various other problems allow the water to enter inside the attic. When the water is inside your attic, it can travel throughout the horizontal regions and finding a roof leak will become very difficult.
Sometimes, when shingles crack or undergo damage in any way, water will leak through when it rains and begin to pool. A leakage will start small, which will lead to severe damage if you ignore the warning signs of a roof leak.
In areas where it snows, the snow melts on a roof and refreezes, ice dams start to form. In this situation, water will back up below the shingles, causing water leakage. If you have not installed ice and water underlayment for your roof, then you might experience a water leak.
To diagnose the issue of water leakage, you can hire a professional. A professional will identify the leak's real cause and location, then find a suitable solution to the problem. However, in this article, you will find some common issues for a roof leak and identify the reason.
1. WATER STAIN
There are different types of water stains that you might encounter on your ceiling. Stains can be located in dark corners so you may experience difficulty finding a roof leak. Smaller stains on the ceiling can be a sign of a large leakage. If you find any discoloration on your walls or ceiling, you should take a closer look to locate moisture, mildew or any other possible signs of a roof leak.
Sometimes the water stains are obvious as ceiling material may peel off. This is a severe case of a water leak and you need to contact an expert immediately as this could be dangerous, causing the ceiling or support beams to eventually fail.
2. LOST SHINGLES
When you inspect your ceiling because there are signs of a roof leak, you may spot lost shingles. Before the damage has been done to the wood underneath you should regularly inspect your roof to see if all the shingles are in order. At the very least you should inspect your shingles after every heavy storm.
Check if you have broken, lost, or damaged shingles. If you find a missing shingle, you need to repair it immediately before it starts leaking. If you cannot locate broken shingles, contact a professional for an inspection.
3. ORGANIC GROWTH ON WALLS
If your exterior walls have mildew or mold, it may lead to a roof leak. You will most likely find it in places with less exposure to the sun. Although gutters and downspouts are not made of roofing materials, they are an essential part of your roofing system. They direct water away from your house so it’s important these are not clogged.
When gutters are leaking, you will find moisture on the exterior of your home. You can prevent this situation from happening by adding gutter covers. After finding a roof leak caused by gutter or downspout leakage, repair the leak to ensure proper gutter maintenance and prevent mold and mildew from growing back.
4. FLASHING DAMAGE
You can protect a lot of joints and corners in your home through flashing. These areas can lead to leaks and damage, as these are the weak points of your home. If you want to find the loose flash and cracks splits, you need to regularly check those weak spots and identify the problem. Make a habit of checking these spots every season. For instance, after the winter and the beginning of the summer, it is the right time to find a roof leak and prevent any damage, moving forward.
5. UNPLEASANT SMELLS
If you smell a distinct smell in the home for a few days, you need to find its cause. When you experience water leakage, you will smell a pungent or musty smell. It will be especially apparent after turning on the cooling or heating system or opening your windows. You may feel that smell when your insulation is wet. When you experience it, you need to head to your attic to find any signs it’s coming from the roof.
Conclusion
It is essential to repair your roof leak immediately. No doubt that it can be a challenge finding a roof leak and detecting the exact location. If you ignore or forget to check, this can cause you extreme property damage, and you need to pay for expensive repairs. You cannot compromise on the health of your roof. If you want a proper inspection, you need to hire a professional. They will help you understand the extent of the damage and how you can solve the leak problem. When you are aware of signs of a roof leak, you need to seek help from a roofing expert before the costs become unmanageable.