One of the things that you should not ignore is a leaking roof. Sure, it can lead to discoloration of your ceilings, but this is the least problematic outcome. A leaking roof can lead to health problems for your family, as well as structural damage that could lead to your home collapsing.
Identifying whether or not your roof is leaking as soon as possible could be the difference between repairing the problem right away and finding out too late. Dripping water is often the first thing people notice, but what if you could tell before this?
How To Know If Your Roof is Leaking
Whether your roof has weakened over the years or you received storm damage, a leaking roof is much more common than you’d think. In 2017, Americans had more than $200 million in hurricane damage, much of that damage was to roofs of businesses, houses, and apartment buildings.
If you suspect a leak but aren’t completely sure that your roof is leaking, there are a few signs that it’s time to call a professional. From damage to your flashing and distorted shingles and discoloration, there are plenty of ways to tell if you are having issues with a leaking roof.
Distorted Shingles
One of the first things people see that indicates an issue is that their roof shingles are distorted. This includes warping and twisting. If there is an area of your roof with visibly distorted shingles, this is a sign that water is likely penetrating the waterproofing and damaging the roof.
Flashing Damage
Flashing is used because the corners and joints can be weaker and are potential entry points for water to get in. If your home’s roof has flashing protecting the corners, you may see cracks and splits at these vulnerable areas, which means water has likely already gotten in.
Discoloration
If you have noticed that your ceiling appears discolored or has stains, there is a good chance that your roof is leaking. It may not be completely obvious at first. Initially, you probably looked up at the ceiling one day and noticed a slight shadow, but over time this stain will darken and potentially change colors.
Damp Walls
Another telltale sign that your roof is leaking is that the external walls are damp. Sure, they’ll be moist after it rains, but this moisture should not penetrate. If you see moss or mold growing on them, this could show that there is internal water damage as well. When you notice damp external walls, it’s a good idea to check the gutters above the walls as well as the roof.
Lost Shingles
One of the ways water can get in is if shingles have been blown off of your roof. This can happen anywhere, but it is even more common in areas with strong storms and high winds. Whether the damage happens during a windy day, from hail, or during a hurricane doesn’t matter. All of these can lead to water getting into your roof.
Side-Effects of Not Fixing a Leaking Roof Immediately
If you went with metal, tile, or slate, the lifespan is definitely going to be longer than a roof covered with asphalt shingles, but no matter what type of roof you have, it is not going to last forever. When your roof inevitably fails and it begins to leak, your options are to have it fixed right away or ignore it.
Having your roof fixed is going to be more expensive than buying a bucket to catch the drips, but in the long run, it will probably be cheaper than the alternative. If you don’t have your roof fixed right away, you are likely in for some problems.
Repairs Get More Expensive
The first thing to keep in mind is that the longer you wait to have the leak fixed, the more expensive the repairs are going to be. Slapping a bandaid on an infected wound isn’t going to keep it from getting worse. The same goes for your roof.
Increased Chance of Mold Growth
Moisture within the structure of your home is never a good thing. When your roof leaks and your ceilings and walls get wet, your home becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew. In addition to this, bugs are attracted to the funk, which can lead to even more issues.
Entire Roof System is Weakened
The longer your roof stays wet, the worse the damage will be. A small wet spot that doesn’t have a chance to dry out is just going to get larger and softer, causing damage to the rest of the roof around it. What could have been a quick fix could turn into your entire roof needing to be replaced.
Structural Damage
In addition to your roof being wet and deteriorating, the walls in your home are now susceptible to water damage as well. If the wet spots in your ceiling are near a wall, the wall can soak up the excess water, leading to an even more dangerous living situation.
Professionals That Can Fix Your Leaking Roof
Whether you catch the problem early on or it takes a while to notice, having your roof fixed is a job best left to a professional. Not only do they have the training, job experience, and expertise required for the job, they also have the tools needed to do it right. When it comes to the roof and structure of your home, you don’t want to try to tackle this yourself.
Hiring a professional is a smart plan because:
They have a team of professionals to get things done quickly and correctlyWith the busy schedules most roofing teams have, they generally have a quick turnaround timeHigh-quality materials and knowledgeable workers mean their work will last a long time
If you need your leaking roof repaired, reach out today to get started! Remember, waiting to get a repair out of fear of the cost associated with your roof can actual cost you more money in the long-run. Put your mind at ease by calling a leading roofing company today so that they can come assess the damage for you and give you an estimate of what repair costs will look like.