Are some shingles on your roof cracked, damaged, or missing? Perhaps you’ve identified staining on the walls, ceiling, or roof deck. Or maybe you’ve noticed mold or mildew growth in your home. If you’re familiar with any of these situations, chances are your roof is leaking.
Whether due to old age, compromised shingles, or extreme weather, a roof leak can wreak havoc in your home. From damaging insulation, ceilings, attics, roof decking, drywall, electrical wiring, and even foundation structures, roof leak consequences are dire.
And don’t forget it presents a health and safety hazard due to mold, mildew, and slippery floors. If not handled promptly, roof leaks can further lead to energy inefficiency, compromised structure, house fires, and even building collapse.
So, is your roof leaking? Learn the most common signs of a roof leak.
Water Stains
Have you noticed a distinct discoloration on your walls or ceilings that looks like a paddle with a brown ring? If yes, this is the most obvious early warning sign of a roof leak. However, these stains could be hidden in corners, windows, or alcoves. But no matter how lightly colored or small they appear, don’t ignore them.
Without prompt care, the moist area creates a conducive mold and algae growth environment. As the leak aggravates, dripping starts, and this can cause extensive, costly damages. If you’ve noticed any stain, contact a professional roofer to investigate it, regardless of how small it is.
Remember, prompt action could save you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacement.
Growth
Mold and mildew need a moist environment to grow. If you’ve noticed fuzzy, dark-colored growth that looks like dirt, this is probably mold. Mildew is gray, white, or brown in color with a powdery or fluffy texture. If a roof leak is a culprit for the growth, you’re likely to spot the outbreak around walls, light fixtures, vents, and ceiling fans.
Handle any indoor mold and mildew cases as soon as you spot them. Why? Mold and mildew pose a serious health threat to you and your family. Mold has irritants and allergens that cause an allergic reaction to some people if they touch or inhale it. These allergy symptoms may include red eyes, runny nose, sneezing, skin rash, and fever.
Over time, mold weakens the surface it’s growing on, resulting in a compromised structure. Also, getting rid of mold requires a professional, and it’s a costly exercise. Thus, if you notice mold or mildew growth in your home, roof leaks could be the culprit.
Distorted Shingles
Have you spotted warped, curled, buckled, or missing shingles? If the answer is yes, you probably have a roof leak. A roof with damaged shingles is more prone to leaking. While you haven’t spotted any leak in your house, water entering through the patchy areas may cause invisible damage in the attic, crawl space, or insulation.
Remember that you don’t see the leak doesn’t mean no damage is happening. And when other warning signs become apparent, you might be too late. Thus, if you identify any distorted or missing shingles, schedule an inspection. An experienced roofer will evaluate the leak and any resulting damage before replacing or repairing the missing or damaged shingles.
A roof leak can cause major, expensive damages without prompt attention. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs or have a feeling your roof is leaking, hire an experienced roofer for a thorough roof inspection. Do you need a roof inspection, repair, replacement, or installation? At Barrier Roofs, we’ve got what it takes to deliver you quality roofing services. Contact us today to learn more.
