Are You Concerned You May Have a Leaking Roof? Here Are 10 Signs to Look Out For

A leaking roof can cost you much more than money to repair the damage. A leaking roof can cause mold, damage the structure of your home, cause a fire hazard in your attic, and increase your utility bills due to wasted energy and saturated insulation.

If you can smell mold in your home or there are water stains on the wall, you could have a leaking roof.

Here are 10 signs your roof may be leaking

1. There’s a Water Stain

A water stain on your ceiling looks like a puddle with brown outlines. Not all water stains are alike because some may be harder to see in darker corners or some can travel down rafters. If leaks travel, it is harder to find the original source.

You can’t judge how bad the leak is by the size of the water stain. Some large leaks only leave small stains. You need to examine any rings on your ceilings or walls to search for mold, moisture, or any other leak signs.

Be sure to check other areas other than ceilings. Leaks can also leave water stains around vents and chimneys.

• Must See – Top 10 Tips to Choose a Roof Color You Won’t Regret

2. Sometimes There’s a Drip

Any drips or moisture on the wall needs to be investigated even if the leak comes and goes. You could have issues like an ice dam causing freezing and thawing with intermittent leaks. Chronic moisture problems lead to permanent damage.

3. Spots on Exterior Walls

Look at your roof line. Do you see any water spots underneath? If you see water there, it can be a sign that you have problems with your flashing causing leaks.

4. Mold

Any mold or moss on an exterior wall could mean you have issues with your gutters or downspouts. Your roofing system includes your downspouts and gutters because they get water away from your roof and to the ground.

If something is leaking, you may see erosion below the gutters and also moisture spots on the side of the exteriors. It is important to have your gutters cleaned regularly. You should also consider gutter covers or gutter heating if you have frequent clogs or frozen gutters.

If you see any mold on shingles, you need search for the potential problem. Small patches will continue to grow if the issue is not solved. You also need to make certain that the leaks don’t continue into your attic because that could cause health concerns.

5. Peeling Exterior Paint

If your attic is not properly vented, it can cause humidity and moisture to build up by your roof line. Any exterior paint that is peeling or blistering needs to be looked at because there is moisture somewhere wreaking havoc.

6. Buckling or Curling Shingles

Another sign that your attic is not properly vented is cupping in the shingles. The moisture is getting caught between the roofing panels and insulation. When the attic gets hot, the heat causes the shingles to curve.

If your roof is old, your shingles could also curl. Roofs are only meant to last 20-30 years. You should rely on a professional’s opinion to make sure you don’t have a bigger problem that will only get more expensive to fix.

7. Missing Shingles

A missing shingle is an important sign of a leaking roof. The shingle may be gone because there is a damaged sealant strip underneath. You may also have an animal on your roof.

When a shingle goes missing, the water can leak into the house because there is no sealant underneath. A missing shingle requires immediate action.

8. Cracks in Shingles

If you see any cracks in your shingles, this is another telltale sign of a possible leak. Your shingles have probably lived their lifetime.

Shingles crack because they are constantly exposed to extreme temperature changes and direct sunlight. If you have cracks in your shingles, you need to replace them. You can save money by checking to see if there is still a warranty on your roof.

9. Black Stains on the Roof

Black stains on the roof proves you have algae growing on your shingles. It’s not as big of a sign of leaks but it is pretty unpleasant to the eyes. You shouldn’t have your roof power washed because the pressure could possibly wash away the shingle’s granules.

You can put zinc strips near the ridge of the roof. These strips will release a fungicide during a rainfall to kill the algae. Although you don’t have a leaking roof now, algae can lead to more problems down the road.

10. Granules in Gutters

After a rain, granules in your gutters are a clear indication that your shingles are disintegrating. A few granules aren’t a big concern, but if you see a lot after a rainfall, it’s time to take a look at your shingles.

If your shingles are bald, it’s time to get new shingles. The granules protect the roof from the harmful UV rays. Bald shingles are more prone to be damaged in extreme temperatures and can lose the power of protection against leaks.

Hiring a Professional for a Leaking Roof

A leaking roof causes serious damage to a house. You need to address leaks right away – this is one home improvement you need to keep up with! You may have a minor repair now that can prevent a more costly roof repair later.

Any water that gets past the roof will damage the ceilings, sheathing, and rafters. That’s why it is important to inspect your roof regularly.

An attic makes inspecting a roof easier. You can see any damage from inside the home. You may not see any visible damage outside but there could be leaks underneath.

If you suspect any roof issues, even small ones, you should contact a professional roofing company to assess damage. They know all the areas to inspect and may find some damage you didn’t suspect.

Learn more about getting a leak-proof roof with special financing. Just like any other contractor, make sure you do your research before calling a roofing company. Ask for referrals and check reviews online.

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