Signs of a Roof Leak

Roofs, no matter how sturdy they are, will deteriorate over time. This is due to various factors which include harsh weather conditions and even pests that may result in the most common roofing dilemma a homeowner can face— leaks. It’s important to figure out that your roof is failing because of this so as a guide, your residential roofing expert will share signs you have to look out for.

1. Dark-colored stains on the ceiling. A leak will normally cause discoloration on your ceiling or interior walls. If you have water stains running across the ceiling or down the wall, it’s likely that it is a roof leak. Remember that a leaky roof should be fixed immediately even if it does not pose readily visible concerns or you are getting a new roof in the coming year. Over a short period of time, minor leaks can lead to persistent issues, such as mold growth, rotted framing, compromised insulation, and ruined ceilings.

2. Curling, broken, or missing shingles. One of the earlier signs of a roof leak is curling shingles. You can immediately check for warped or distorted shingles on your roof. More severe effects of a leak often take time to take shape and appear on different surfaces of the house. Keep in mind that if you have curling or broken shingles, it is only a matter of time before the roof allows rainfall or melting snow to seep into your home.

3. Mold on the exterior walls. According to roof inspection teams, roof leaks can be caused by gutter issues. Problematic gutters allow water to drain down the siding, causing fungi spores to thrive and spread there. So, if you notice patches of mold on your exterior walls, your roof is probably having leaks too. Mold thrives in damp environments and is alarming because it breaks down building materials and wreaks havoc on the entire structure. It can also cause the occupants to suffer from asthma attacks.

4. Loose step flashing. Step flashing is used along the exterior walls that intersect the roof. It will not be able to divert water away from the wall and into the gutter if the flashing rusts through or a piece comes loose. Instead, the water will find its way into the house.

5. Dripping gutters. Metal roofing pros say if your gutters are dripping, as expected, there are likely roof leaks as well. Overflows or excessive dripping of water indicate that your gutters are not working properly and most likely allowing the rainwater to back up to the roof. This prompts leaks and other water-related problems.

6. Shiners. This is a nail that missed the framing member. Sometimes you can spot this if you climb up into your attic on a cold night. The nails will look white because they’re frosted. This is because the moisture that escapes into the cold attic from the rooms below often condenses on cold nails.

7. Roof vent issues. Homeowners are urged to check for cracked housings on plastic roof vents and broken seams on metal ones. There’s really no easy fix for this other than replacing the damaged vents. Look for pulled or missing nails at the base’s bottom edge and replace them with rubber-washer screws. 

8. Clogged soffits. Although often overlooked, attic ventilation is critical to the health of your house. So make certain to keep your soffits tidied up to help prevent moisture buildup and mold growth on your roof’s framing.

Fixing A Leaky Roof

It can be difficult to figure out the source of most roof leaks but locating where it started is the first and last step for homeowners. It’s certain that you can patch your roof leak when the weather is calm and your fixes won’t be compromised by additional water and moisture. Although roof work seems like a fun activity if you’re hoping to save time and money over hiring someone else to do the job, it is still ideal to call for someone trained and experienced for a roof inspection, repair and replacement. After all, DIY roof repairs may actually cost you more eventually.

• Poor choice of materials. With little to no experience in roofing, there is no doubt that you’ll pick the wrong material for your roofing project. Although your spending might be lower, you won’t have the assurance of your item’s quality and value. Rest assured with professional roofing companies, you are guaranteed to have access to high-quality materials.

• Safety Concerns. All sorts of roofing work are immediately considered hazardous. Note that should you have an accident and injure yourself, the costs may be higher than if you were to hire a professional in the first place. 

• Time. A team of professionals will be able to complete a new roofing installation in a much shorter time span than an amateur can. Do not waste your time. It’s best to hire an experienced contractor for a project like this.

• Warranties. It should be noted that the commercial or residential roofing warranty is a critical feature of your investment. This is because it’s likely to cover everything from manufacturing defects to the actual process of labor. Most roofers will cancel your warranty if anyone other than certified roofing personnel works on your roof. 

• Workmanship. If you consider DIY, failing to perform the task properly is highly likely. Always ensure that roof-related fixes are done by professionals to avoid improper repairs and overspending. Instead of putting yourself at risk, seek expert assistance.

Need a local roofer? The metal roofing repair pros at STARR Roofing & Gutters can provide a professional inspection of your roof to evaluate whether you are eligible to file a storm damage claim with your insurer. Commonly covered damages include extensive hailstorm damage, water damage to any part of the roof or interior, and widespread rot, mold, or mildew growth, to name a few.

Give us a call at (512) 402-8095 or fill out our contact form as soon as you notice any of these. We’ll get your roof back to working order in no time.