6 Common Warning Signs

The sooner you can address a leak in your roof, the easier (and cheaper) it will be to fix. Waiting until you can actually see water coming through your roof is waiting way too long. It’s especially important to keep an eye out for signs after a storm. Here are some of the first things to look for that might indicate you have a roof leak.

1. MISSING OR DAMAGED SHINGLES

It’s a good idea to inspect your roof periodically. If you spot missing or damaged shingles, this is an obvious entrance point for water, which can rot the wood sheathing underneath and can lead to extremely costly repairs. Get the shingles repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

2. ISSUES WITH FLASHING

Flashing (found around chimneys, pipes and stacks, valleys, and walls) is a common source of leaks. Look for corroded spots, small holes, or signs of rust. There may also be places where the flashing is coming loose allowing water to enter the home.

3. PROBLEMS WITH THE CEILING 

The first visible sign of leaks on the inside of your home will often be on the ceiling. Any sagging, bubbles, or soft places should be investigated right away. You might notice peeling paint or discolored spots.

4. PROBLEMS WITH THE WALLS

Like the ceiling, water damage often takes the form of peeling paint or discolored spots. You might see moisture marks, or gray, yellow, or brown stains. Drywall may also come undone in places.

5. MOLD

When leaks go undetected for a long time, they are very likely to cause mold in your home. This can cause symptoms like sore throat, itchy skin, and coughing in you or your family members, so it’s a good idea to have a mold inspection performed if one or more people in your household are having these symptoms. It is possible for mold to return after remediation, but only if you fail to find the source of moisture creating the mold problem. It is imperative that the source of the moisture is fixed, whether that is a leaky roof or damaged chimney, skylight, or pipe flashing.

6. SIGNS IN THE ATTIC

If you have an attic that you can access, go up there and look for signs. If you have a leaky roof, they’ll likely be pretty obvious. You might see water stains, discolorations, or even moldy areas. If you go through the most common spots for roof leaks and can’t find anything, but you’re sure you have a leak, then it’s time to call in a professional. Don’t wait—even a small delay can make a leak worse and a fix much more complicated.