No matter why kind of house you have, big or small, the last thing you want is a roof leak. Not only is it annoying to have to go running for a drip bucket every time it rains, a dripping ceiling is a sign of a larger roofing issue – and roofing issues can often mean a large investment of time and money. Roof leaks can be detected from the exterior of your home or the interior. In this article we’ll go through some of the exterior housing signs of a roof leak.
Unfortunately, a leak in your roof can be complicated to find, difficult to fix, and are sometimes even scary for homeowners because the leak can put the physical condition and livability of your property at risk. So it is imperative to find the area of the leaking roof and fix it fast before even more damage to your property has occurred. Spectrum Cleaning and Restoration can help you handle drying up and cleaning up once you’ve found the leak, and we can find “hidden” leaks with our thermal imaging systems. But in the meantime, take a look at these common causes of roof leaks.
Buckled or Curled Shingles—While they look similar in appearance, these problems occur for different reasons. Curling happens if the roof absorbs water for whatever reason or if hot air becomes trapped in the attic with no means to escape. Buckled shingles are caused by improperly applied felt or movement in the roof deck.
The Takeaway: Watch your roof for buckled or curled shingles. If you notice either, it means that your roof is no longer watertight and is at risk for leaks. It could also indicate a bigger issue with your home’s structure.
Missing Shingles—Here in Florida, high winds from hurricanes, tropical storms or even an afternoon thunderstorm are pretty standard. When shingles blow off, your roof is exposed to the elements, creating a high potential for leaks.
The Takeaway: After severe weather, check your roof to make sure all the shingles are intact. You should also monitor your downspouts and gutters for pieces of shingles that come off your house during a rainstorm.
Hail Damage—A severe storm with huge hail can immediately do major damage your roof. Large hailstones can puncture roof shingles, causing holes that must be repaired. Most of the time, hailstones will bounce off your roof. When they do, they could take a lot of the asphalt shingle granules with them. This type of roof damage is known as a bruise, and bruised shingles are more susceptible to damage from the sun’s UV rays. Over time, more granules will fall off, making your roof a prime candidate for leaks.
The Takeaway: Inspect your roof after any storm involving hail. Repair holes immediately and replace shingles that may be bruised. A professional can help you assess the damage.
Damaged or Rusted Flashing—Flashing is the thin pieces of metal on your roof that serve as a means to direct water away from vulnerable areas such as vent pipes, chimneys, skylights or anywhere the roof meets a vertical surface. Therefore, if the flashing is damaged, rusted or missing, your roof is at greater risk for leaks. Flashing can break down over time or there’s always a chance it was installed incorrectly.
The Takeaway: Inspect the flashing regularly so you can avoid water leaks in vulnerable spots on your roof.
Contact Spectrum Cleaning & Restoration at 239-910-6381 if you suspect any water leaks in your home.
