26April 2018
Discovering a leaking roof can be one of the most frustrating repairs for a homeowner. There are several reasons your roof may be leaking, but you could also be dealing with a moisture or humidity issue depending on your home and the climate in which you live. Here are a few indications to look for to determine if your roof is leaking:
- Water Stains
- Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
- Sagging Ceilings
- Mold
- Wet Spots
- Standing Water
- Damp Odors
Water will typically come into your home through damaged or missing shingles, vents, skylights, near the roofing planes, or any location in which the roof flashing is poorly secured or missing.
What is the Difference Between a Roof Leak and Condensation?
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a roof leak and condensation is the size and location of the stain on you ceiling.
When you are dealing with condensation, you may see several small stains on your ceiling and not just one large stain. Typically, these stains with condensation are close to the exterior walls of your home and can develop without heavy rains or storms. The color of the stain associated with condensation is typically dark with a white center. If this is the case, you are most likely dealing with mold and that is a good indication of a condensation issue.
With a roof leak the stain could be located anywhere on the ceiling, including but not limited to the exterior walls of your home. With a true leaking roof, the opposite is true of the coloring of the stain. In this case, the stain will be darkest in the center and gets lighter as it moves across the ceiling. The darker the stain, the better the indication of how old the stain is and how long your roof could have been leaking. If you see dark stains on your ceiling, don’t delay in reaching out for professional help. The longer you wait to have the problem addressed, the more serious the problem could become.
What Causes My Ceiling to Sag?
If the leak in your roof is severe and allowing rainwater into your home, it will cause the ceiling to sag. This is caused by the build up of water on the ceiling materials. The ceilings in your home are made from a material that will break down when wet. When the water has come through the outer layer of the roof, it accumulates and causes the materials to break down and sag. If this happens, it is very important for the source of the water to be found and the water drained. Only then can the leak can be properly repaired.
Dealing with Mold
Mold is normally a pretty good indication of a roof leak or condensation. During a roof inspection, a professional will inspect the chimney and vents first because that is typically where the mold will start. One of the most common underlying causes of mold is a leak in the flashing of a metal roof. This type of leak is much easier to locate and fix as opposed to the typical leak found in shingles and tiles.
Once the inspector has determined that you have a leak, they will be able to trace the evidence you are seeing to the location of the leak on your roof. If you have traditional shingles, fixing the problem is an easy process. In most cases, the leak is coming from damaged shingles and tiles. In a case like this, you will simply need to replace the tiles or shingles and seal the edges with roofing cement.
Mold can be a serious matter, causing many potential health problems. If you suspect any mold issues, take immediate action and call in a roofing expert to address and repair the problem.
There are many causes for roof leaks, but most can be handled quickly if a professional oversees the job. For more information on spotting leaks or other problems with your roofing system, call us today!