CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
SIGN OF ROOF LEAKS
When you think of a roof leak, you probably picture water dripping from your ceiling into a bucket. While that can and does happen, not all leaks are the same. There are different causes of roof leaks and different ways to find a roof leak. However, all leaking roofs do have one thing in common: they are damaging. If left untreated, their impact can be devastating.
Identifying the signs of a roof leak early on can help you avoid extensive and costly damage. When you’re determining how to find a roof leak, you must perform an indoor and outdoor inspection. Call a professional for a thorough inspection.
Look at Your Shingles
Whenever you inspect your roof, it is always important to pay attention to the shingles. The most common type of shingles in the United States is asphalt. These are designed to direct rainwater away from your roof and to protect from wind damage. Over time, however, exposure to the elements will cause your shingles to wear away. The shingles at the edge of the roof are often the first to experience damage. Watch to see if your shingles are curling, chipped, or broken. In some cases, a section of your roof may even be missing several shingles.
Buckling or Curling Shingles
Before you fix a roof leak, check your shingles. Over 70% of domestic roofing is composed of asphalt shingles. The most common sign of a roof leak is buckling or curling shingles. Curling shingles will curl at the corners, lifting away from the roof. Buckling shingles will buckle in the center, creating a gap between the shingle and the roof. When these occur to your shingled roof, it allows rain to seep into it, causing a leak.
Spots On Your Ceiling, Roof, or Walls
Ceiling leaks from rain are the most common. One of the main signs of a roof leak is a water stain on the ceiling or any external spots/stains on your roof and walls. These are typically light brown in color, and the size of the stain or spot can help you identify how big the leak is.
Spots on your ceiling, roof, or walls do not necessarily mean that you have a roof leak. However, if any spots get bigger or darker every time it rains, then you need to get a roof repair as soon as possible.
Moisture or Mold In Your Attic
If you’re wondering how to spot a roof leak inside the house, you can also check for mold or moisture in your attic. This moisture can cause spots in your ceiling, which is why you need to keep an eye out for any size or color changes.
Condensation buildup is the main cause of leaks caused by attic-sourced moisture. If you notice excess amounts of condensation in your home (like moisture in your attic or on the windows of your home) then there is a chance you have a roof leak. The roof leak might only be affecting a small area of your ceiling, but the condensation can cause it to spread and create mold.
Loose or Rusted Step Flashing
Finding a roof leak when you have no attic to check for moisture or mold could be difficult, but not impossible. If you don’t have an attic, we recommend checking for loose or rusted step flashing.
Flashing is a thin sheet of water-resistant material that’s installed wherever your roof intersects or meets the house? Instead of water going against the siding and into the shingles, the flashing directs it towards the gutters where it flows off the roof. In the event that your roof’s flashing has rust or is loose, water can get into the shingles causing a roof leak.
Damaged or Missing Granules
Granules are the added texture on your shingles that are more than just decoration. Shingle granules make the shingles more durable, fire-resistant and UV-resistant. Over time, it’s normal for some granule loss, but an excess amount is never good.
If you walk the perimeter of your home, you might notice a buildup of granules where the gutter runoff is. You also might notice a discoloration or bareness of your shingles. All of these are signs of weakening or damaged granules. The problem with missing or damaged granules is that your shingles are less protected from rain and are more prone to leaks.
The Obvious Signs
If you’re setting up a bucket in the kitchen to collect rainwater, then your roof has already been leaking for a long time. This leaking can leak to damage to your attic, ceiling, and rafters. It can also cause mold and mildew to grow, which can cause health problems. So, while water dripping from the ceiling is a clear sign of a leaky roof, you should not wait until then to identify a leak. Rather, you should keep your eyes peeled for earlier warning signs.
Discoloration
Before water starts dripping from your ceiling, it will be absorbed into it. Absorbing significant amounts of water will lead to discoloration of your ceiling. To see if there are water spots on your ceiling, take a flashlight and examine it closely. The water damage will look similar to coffee stains. When checking for water spots, do not forget to check inside of closets, or in the basement. Also, always check the ceiling above tubs or appliances, as there are often pipes running there that go up to the roof.
Damage to Wood and Drywall
If leaking continues, it can move from affecting the ceiling to affecting the drywall in your home. This can threaten the structural integrity of your walls. Check the seams between the walls and your ceiling to look for signs of warping. You may even see sections that are beginning to crumble into pieces or dust. In severe cases, full sections of drywall can even collapse. Additionally, if you have wood beams contributing to the structure of your home, you may notice damage to these. Water damage can cause the wooden beams, studs, and joists to rot. If this damage persists, the wood will need to be replaced.
Mold and Mildew
When water leaks into your home, it can become trapped in confined spaces. As the water builds up, it creates humidity. In this environment, mold and mildew begin to grow. If mold is growing in your home, it can cause respiratory problems for you and your family. To check for mold, look for black or dark patches that resemble a stain. Make sure to check damp areas like the attic or the basement to make sure that mold is not there.
Storm Damage
If you have any reason to believe your roof may have been damaged, this is a sign that you should check for a potential leaky roof. Storm damage can cause projectiles that dent your roof or can produce powerful winds that tear off shingles. If your area has been affected by a serious storm, you should inspect your roof afterward to ensure that there is no damage.
Pipe Boots
Most homes include pipes that run all the way up to the roof. If the pipes penetrate through the roof, this can lead to leaks and other problems. To prevent damage from the elements, most pipes are fitted with coverings called pipe boots. These are usually made of rubber or lead and can last for 7-10 years. If you notice damage to one of these boots, you will need to have it replaced to avoid a leaky roof.
Check for Puddles
Before water starts dripping from your ceiling, it collects on your roof. When you get up on your roof, look for places where water is collecting into puddles. This can be a sign that your roof is not effectively directing rainwater into gutters and off of the roof. If you see puddles on your roof, you should contact a professional to find out what is causing the problem.
Chimney Flashing
Brick chimneys are covered with what is called metal “flashing.” This material ensures that water will not run down the chimney and into your home.
Caulking or tarring a chimney is not a viable alternative to proper flashing. Check the seals to make sure they are flush with the chimney. If they are not, they will need to be resealed to prevent leaking.
Get Your Leaky Roof Fixed Today
If you have noticed one or more of these signs of a leaky roof, it may be time to call a professional. Trying to patch the problem yourself can lead to further damage and even more headaches.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM 
Before you fix a roof leak, check your shingles. Over 70% of domestic roofing is composed of asphalt shingles. The most common sign of a roof leak is buckling or curling shingles. Curling shingles will curl at the corners, lifting away from the roof. Buckling shingles will buckle in the center, creating a gap between the shingle and the roof. When these occur to your shingled roof, it allows rain to seep into it, causing a leak.
Finding a roof leak when you have no attic to check for moisture or mold could be difficult, but not impossible. If you don’t have an attic, we recommend checking for loose or rusted step flashing.
When water leaks into your home, it can become trapped in confined spaces. As the water builds up, it creates humidity. In this environment, mold and mildew begin to grow. If mold is growing in your home, it can cause respiratory problems for you and your family. To check for mold, look for black or dark patches that resemble a stain. Make sure to check damp areas like the attic or the basement to make sure that mold is not there.
Most homes include pipes that run all the way up to the roof. If the pipes penetrate through the roof, this can lead to leaks and other problems. To prevent damage from the elements, most pipes are fitted with coverings called pipe boots. These are usually made of rubber or lead and can last for 7-10 years. If you notice damage to one of these boots, you will need to have it replaced to avoid a leaky roof.