Is Your Roof Leaking? Signs to Look Out For
An efficient roof protects your home from harsh elements and keeps your family safe and dry. However, even the best quality roofing material may succumb to wear and tear, which results in leaks. A range of issues may cause your roof to leak, which include:
- Poor installation
- Inadequate maintenance
- Ice dams
- Age
Whatever the cause of your leaky roof, the first step to rectifying the problem is to identify the signs that you have leaks. Discover some of the telltale signs of a leaky roof below.
Discoloration On Walls and Ceilings
Water from the roof leaks may seep through the ceiling. The water manifests as brown or yellowish stains on the ceiling. And in severe cases, water may drip through the ceiling, and you'll also see water stains on the walls.
The stains mostly appear at the center of the room, away from the exterior walls. However, they can appear near corners or walls. Since not all discolorations on the ceiling signify roof leaks, let a professional conduct a thorough inspection to ascertain the cause of the problem.
Mold Growth
Mold thrives in moist and humid conditions. Thus, if you see mold or mildew growth on your interior walls or ceiling, a leaky roof is one possible cause.
Besides interior mold growth, you may notice mold on the exterior surfaces of your home. For example, water from roof leaks may drip down the walls, which leads to mold growth at the bottom of the walls.
Mold is accompanied by a musty smell, which makes your property uncomfortable to live in. In addition, the spores from the mold can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing and sneezing. In severe cases, the spores may result in asthma attacks. Also, if you don't rectify the situation quickly, mold may eat away at your structure to cause premature wear.
Note that mold on the exterior walls may signify other issues, such as a lack of sun in the affected areas. Therefore, don't automatically assume that a leaky roof is the cause of mold growth. Instead, inspect the roof for other signs of damage.
Water Drips in the Attic
In extreme roof leak cases, you may notice water dripping from the ceiling in your attic. Sometimes, the drips may come and go, but that should not lull you into a false sense of security. For example, perhaps you have ice dams, so you will only notice the leaks when the ice melts.
When conducting a roof inspection, always remember to check the attic for any signs of leaks. Also, watch out for water stains and mold on the ceiling and walls.
Damaged Boot Flashing
The metal flashing is a critical component of your roof. The component helps to seal the junction between the chimney and the roof.
Water may enter your home through the opening if the flashing is damaged. Therefore, inspect the boot cover frequently to catch and rectify the problem early.
Damaged Shingles
Dark streaks on the shingles are a sure sign of damage. The streaks occur when the asphalt wears off, exposing the black matting beneath.
Besides dark streaks, you may notice that your shingles are curling or buckling. Additionally, you may see debris in the gutters, such as granules from the shingles. All these are signs that your roof is in dire need of repair or replacement.
Maynor Roofing & Siding Co. is your trusted contractor for all your roofing needs. We are highly experienced in carrying out comprehensive roof inspections and determining the exact cause of the problem. We will then provide the most appropriate solution to rectify the situation quickly and efficiently.
Contact us today!
