The roof is one of — if not the most important parts of your home. It protects you, your family, and your property. With that in mind, it is vital that you are aware of any potential issues that your roof may have that would require roof leak repair. Most roofing issues develop over time and can sneak up on you. For this reason, you’ll want to know what to look for so you can take care of any minor roof issues before they become major roof problems. Look for these 10 signs to tell if your roof has a leak.
Installation Holes
You might not even know about this, but there is a good chance your roof has holes in it. A lot of roofs do. And they are left from equipment that has been installed on the roof. These would be items like an antenna or satellite. They might have been removed, but the screws that held them in place made holes that are still there. These can allow tiny leaks into your home. If you have had any equipment on your roof, it is a good idea to check for these holes.
The Soffits
A soffit vent is designed to promote healthy airflow that moves warm air out of the roof vents. This helps to prevent moisture from building up and potentially — mold from growing. These areas are subject to cracks and broken seams and should be inspected for possible leaks.
Flashings
Flashings are vital for any home. They limit the impact of water on the outside parts of the home. They protect the corners and joints of your roof. Every piece of flashing is a potential spot for a leak. Kick-flashing prevents water from running off the roof and down the wall of your home. When this happens near a door or window, water seeps into places that it shouldn’t be. This is when parts of your home can begin to rot. The flashing of your roof and home should be examined regularly to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Shingles
The shingles are one of the easiest signs to spot a leaky roof. When you see missing, damaged, or distorted shingles, it is a sign that you surely have a leak. Warped or twisted shingles are likely locations of water getting into your home. This type of leak can be especially detrimental to a home because it can spread through the home before any additional warning signs are visible. Shingles should be checked routinely. Anytime there is a heavy wind, make a quick check of the roof to look for shingle damage. This goes for hail storms too. The good news is that damaged shingles are a pretty easy fix.
Stains
Spots or stains on your ceiling or upper walls may be caused by a water leak. But there are other places to check as well. Look around the windows and door seals. Look around vents and ventilation fans in your bathroom. Discoloration in these areas is a sign of problems too.
The off-color might be caused by mold or algae growing inside of your walls. Even if these spots are small, you don’t know what is on the other side of the wall so it is very important to have these checked as soon as they are discovered. If you can’t find a clear reason for the stain, you probably have a leak.
Plumbing Vent Boots
For these, the base needs to be examined. Plastic ones can crack and metal ones can have broken seams. The rubber boot that surrounds the pipe can eventually begin to rot away and let water into your home.
Shiners
A shiner is a nail that missed the framing member. Look at the underside of your roof to see if there are shiners. When moisture makes its way into your attic from the areas underneath, it tends to condense on the metal nails. When the temperatures are really cold, you can see evidence of this in the attic because the nails can be frosted over. This becomes a problem when it warms up and the frost melts and drips into your home.
Mold
Wherever there is water in your home, mold is probably not too far behind. As the leak/water spreads, so does mold. As you probably know, mold causes major damage to the important parts of your home — like wood and insulation. Any area that is warm, wet, and dark is a perfect environment for mold to grow. Once mold starts to spread, it is very hard to stop.
Mold is not only a big problem for your home. It is also very dangerous for your health. Symptoms of mold inhalation include itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, and coughing. And it gets much worse for people who have respiratory issues or allergies. If you see signs of mold, do not wait to give us a call. It is important to assess the situation as soon as possible for two reasons. First, to identify the source of the leak and determine the need for roof leak repair. Secondly, to identify the mold and get it eliminated from your home.
Wet Outer Walls
Check your outside walls for mold or moss. If you find anything, then it could be caused by a continuous water leak. If that part of the wall feels damp, there is a leak and further examination is needed. The gutters and downpipes are areas that could be blocked, causing the leak.
Gutters
Do you have a dripping gutter? Then you have a sure sign that they aren’t working as they should be. And you probably have water going somewhere it shouldn’t be. The job of the gutter is to move water away from the roof and walls of your home. Any blockage in the gutter, rusted out gutter, or missing gutter aprons should be remedied. Otherwise, the water will find a way into your home.
Need Roof Leak Repair? Call Premier
Every roof is unique. And every part of your roof has the potential to leak. This is why it is essential to look for these signs to make sure you catch any leaks early. This is why it is recommended to have a professional roof examination from time to time. We are here to help! Request your free roof inspection today. Premier Roofing is the roofing contractor that has the solution to any roof leak repair or other issues that you may have. An inspection today can prevent issues from becoming major problems in the future. Don’t wait until you’ve already got a big problem on your hands or take an unnecessary risk to your safety by climbing on a snowy roof. Give us a call instead!