​​7 Common Signs That Point To A Roof Leak

Did you know that there are almost 80,000 businesses around the United States that offer roofing services? More than 253,000 people work at these businesses to help us keep our roofs in top shape. Together, they take care of a market that is worth about $57 billion every year in the United States alone!

Many people do not know how to recognize some of the common signs of a roof leak. If they did, they might not end up spending as much on the services of professional roofers.

The earlier you can catch a leaking roof, the less expensive it will be to repair it. So what are some of the common signs you can look for that may indicate that your roof has a leak?

Read on to learn all about the most common signs of a roof leak!

1. Mold Can Indicate a Leaky Roof

Mold tends to grow in environments that have plenty of access to water. As long as your roof is working the way it should, your attic should be dry. However, if you notice mold in your attic, the cause might be a leak in your roof.

If your roof is allowing water to get inside, then you might also be developing mold on the ceiling or even the walls of your home. In general, the higher up you discover mold, the higher the chance that it is the result of a leaky roof. On the other hand, if you discover mold lower down, there is a higher chance that your roof is working fine.

However, you should also look for other causes of mold before you conclude that your roof has a leak. For example, if a window is left open, that can facilitate mold growth.

2. Look for Signs of Flashing Damage

If you think you might have a leaky roof, take a close look at your roof flashing. Your flashing is one of the most important parts of your roof for maintaining a watertight seal. If your flashing is developing splits or cracks, it may be allowing water to enter your home.

The bigger these cracks and other signs of damage are, the more likely it is that a problem with your flashing is causing a leaky roof.

3. Stains May Indicate a Damaged Roof

Another strong sign that you might have a leaky roof is developing water stains on your ceiling or walls. These kinds of stains tend to have a distinctive yellow or tan color. They often look like small or large blotches with more color around the edges.

If you have these kinds of stains, there is also a higher chance that your home will begin to develop mold. When you discover these or other signs of a leaky roof, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Even a small problem will tend to become larger if you ignore it.

On the other hand, if you repair your roof when it has only a minor leak, the cost of doing so will tend to be much lower.

4. Look Out for Shiners

Look in the ceiling of your attic for shiners. Nails are supposed to be placed so that they meet a framing member. However, if a nail is too far off to one side or the other, it will miss the framing member, making it a shiner.

Shiners create holes that allow water to down into your attic. Look for any nails that seem to be out of place or that are wet. If it is cold enough, you can sometimes even detect shiners because they will be frozen.

5. Inspect Your Roof for Damaged Shingles

If you are comfortable doing so, consider giving the whole surface of your roof a thorough inspection. You can always hire a professional to do this for you if you prefer.

Look for any signs that your shingles are damaged or out of place. Sometimes, a shingle will become twisted, allowing water to reach down to the lower parts of your roof. In some cases, you might even find missing shingles.

If there are any signs that your shingles are not providing a tight barrier, there is a strong chance that you have a leaky roof.

6. Check if Your Gutters Are Blocked

Your gutters are supposed to allow water to run off of your roof and then flow down away from it. However, it is common for gutters to become blocked by leaves and other kinds of debris. When that happens, water can end up pooling closer to your roof, which can cause leaks.

If you do find leaks in your roof, it is important to call a roofing contractor to take care of them right away. However, you can also use roof tarping in the meanwhile to keep your home from suffering from water damage. Placing a tarp over any leaks in your roof can ameliorate the damage until you can get roof repair help.

7. Look for Clogged Soffits

You can find your soffits under any eaves that stick out from the rest of your roof. They have many small holes to allow for ventilation in your attic.

However, look for any signs that these holes have become clogged. If they have, there is a higher chance that your roof will develop a leak or has already.

Know the Top Signs of a Roof Leak

Many people do not realize how complicated roofs are underneath the simple surface. There are many different signs of a roof leak that homeowners should learn to recognize. That way, you can catch problems when they are small and invest in quick roof repairs.

To learn more about how you can find the best roofing services for your needs, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!