A roof protects a building from exposure to sunlight, rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures. A leak compromises a home’s structural integrity, posing a serious health hazard for residents. Left unattended, leaks can cost a fortune to repair in the future and can cause damage far beyond the leak itself.
While roof manufacturers work hard to provide premier materials and leak-proof designs, even the highest-quality roof will still deteriorate over time. According to research, most roofs last about half as long as expected with 40% of roof-related problems linked to water intrusion. Every homeowner should keep an eye on roof leakage signs.
1. Stains on the Ceiling and Wall
Water stains on the ceiling and wall are the most recognizable signs of a leaky roof. If you notice yellow or brown stains on the walls or ceiling, your roof likely has water penetration. Act fast when you spot this common sign of trouble to prevent further water damage. Discolored walls can also indicate mold growth.
Identifying the leak is the easy part. Finding the source can be harder. A professional roof inspection is critical to help you get to the bottom of the problem and address it appropriately.
2. Musty or Damp Odors
Does your home smell musty and damp? Your roof could be the culprit. When water sits in a single spot for a prolonged period, it can breed some pretty unpleasant things, including mold and mildew. These not only smell musty but can also pose a health hazard to the home’s occupants.
If your home smells damp, you need to take immediate action. Licensed roofers will inspect your roof to identify the source of the leak and recommend an appropriate way to address it.
3. Missing or Damaged Shingles
To properly protect your roof, shingles must all be present and intact. Once a shingle is damaged or goes missing, water can penetrate easily, threatening the structural integrity of your roof deck and home.
Using high-quality roofing materials is the first step to avoiding this kind of issue. You should also evaluate your roof after any major storm or incident to ensure all the shingles are where they should be and are in good shape. Keep trees trimmed to reduce the risk of a branch falling on your home.
If you spot lost or damaged shingles, contact a roofing professional to avoid leaks and protect your home.
4. Presence of Granules in Gutters
Asphalt shingles feature granules that serve as an extra layer of protection. Over time, granules can deteriorate and wash off the shingles. If you spot granules in your gutters or near the exit of the downspout, your shingles are deteriorating. This deterioration could be caused by a leak, but it could also result in a leak.
An accumulation of granules can also block your gutters, rerouting drainage and undermining your home’s foundation. Schedule a roofing inspection as soon as possible to address the lost granules and protect your home.
5. Sagging Ceiling or Roof
Does your roof seem to sag in the middle? Is your ceiling bulging? Both are telltale signs of a seriously leaky roof, and immediate action is critical to preventing more catastrophic damage. Talking to professional roofers can help you better understand the kinds of problems you could be facing and provide you with a comprehensive plan of action to help you restore your roof and protect your home.
Dripping
That irritating dripping noise might keep you awake at night, but if all your faucets are closed and intact, the problem could be coming from your roof. Check throughout your home, especially during and after rain to identify any potential trouble spots. Your roof might also leak after an ice storm or snowfall. When the accumulation begins to melt, the water could have nowhere to go but through your roof.
Roof experts can address your leaky roof now and prevent more significant damage down the road.
Hire Stalcup Roofing & Construction for Fast, Reliable Roofing Services!
Stalcup Roofing & Construction has a certified and experienced roofing team dedicated to delivering comfort and satisfaction to our customers in Eagle Creek, OR, and the Greater Portland Metropolitan area. We also offer high-quality roof services for replacement, roof repair, roof cleaning, roof maintenance, gutter cleaning, roof ventilation, and skylight services. Do not hesitate to reach us.
