Finding a roof leak is simple enough—right? Well, no, not really. Contrary to popular belief, it is sometimes easier to solve the problem than recognizing it. The problem in this instance being a leaky roof.
It may seem intuitive to just look above where water pools in your attic, but doing so is not the answer. It could be the source of the leak, or you may find it is actually several feet away from where you’re looking.
Finding the exact location of the leak can often be difficult and truly tedious. Therefore, it may be beneficial to call a professional. Doing so saves the headache of looking without ever seeing the leak.
More obvious than finding a roof leak, are the telltale signs that you actually have a leaking roof. They are often obvious and easy to recognize without the need of an expert. Besides staining your roof and soaking your floors with pesky puddles, roof leaks can compromise your home’s infrastructure. With roof leaks, the sooner you find them the better, so here are some recognizable signs that you have a leak:
Puddled water is normal on the street and sidewalk, but not in your attic or crawl space. If you notice water puddles it may be worth it to have an expert roofing technician have a look at it. Is it important to have an expert check it out as finding the source of the leak can be difficult without the necessary knowhow.
Water stains are these brown-yellowish spots found on your wall and or ceilings. Stains are often ignored as many people believe they’re the result of steam or humidity in the air. More often than not, these brown water stains are an indication of a roof leak.
Look, unless it's the trash or uncleaned excrement from a pet, there is no reason your home should smell. If you notice a musty odor, such as that of mildew, you may be dealing with a roof leak. Musty odors are usually a result of moisture on walls or ceilings, leading to mold growth. It is important to call a professional if you notice any funky odors, as mold can be harmful and lead to respiratory problems.
Bulging, bubbling, or even peeling paint on walls and ceilings are signs of roof leaks in your home. Excessive moisture from the leak can lead to peeling as water gets under the paint, causing it to rise.
Sometimes stains appear near your bathroom fan as a result of poor ventilation. If the fan is not properly ventilating air, it can lead to moisture build up and encourage mold growth. Similarly, if there is a leak in your bathroom roof, it can lead to moisture and dampness. Regardless of the reasoning, stains on any part of your ceiling are not a good sign. Call Parish Roofing and solve all of your roofing problems.
Once interior signs of water damage have been addressed and found, it is important to look for any damage or compromised structural integrity. A simple and easy way to look for any exterior abnormalities is to simply grab a ladder and climb onto your roof. If heights aren’t your cup of tea, you can also try and assess any damage with a trusty pair of binoculars.
A plumbing vent boot is found in your home's vents and pipes. A vent boot is essential to your roof's anatomy to help ensure water and moisture does not enter your home. Typically made out of plastic or metal, vent boots tend to break after some time. If you notice cracks at the base, or rotten wood, you should do your best to replace it and buy a new one. Doing so will prevent any possible leaks.
Damaged shingles are an eyesore to look at. They are ugly and add an unkempt look to your house. Not just that, but they’re also a leak waiting to happen. Shingles don’t just add a bit of flair to your home, but they protect your roof from the elements such as wind, water, and even the sun. Lucky for you, replacing a damaged shingle is an easy fix.
Excess water from grime, storms, or snow showers can accumulate over time, and simply sit in your gutters downspout. Slowly but surely over time your gutters will begin to rust away. Once rusting begins, your gutters will be practically useless, allowing water to collect and seep into your roof. By keeping your gutters clean you can prevent any possible roof leaks.
Even though it may seem concerning, there is no reason to panic if there seems to be moss or algae growing on your shingles. As long as there is no water damage, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Even though not an immediate reason to panic, if left there, moss or algae can prove to make your roof damp, increasing the possibility of not just water damage, but a roof leak.
Proper attic ventilation is crucial to preventing the rapid deterioration of your roofing materials. For this reason, soffit vents are important, as they create airflow by moving warm attic air out of the roof vents. Soffit vents can become dirty and clogged, so proper maintenance is essential as buildup can lead to moisture and eventually mold growth.
When installing shingles it’s important to note that each individual shingle should cover all nails or screws on your roof. There should be no exposed or improperly installed nails. Exposed nails or screws have the potential to create leaks, as they leave even the tiniest bit of room for water to enter.
The older the roof, the more wear and tear it has. Older roofs have seen it all, windy days, rainy nights, hail storms, and snowfalls. They’ve been put through the ringer. However, over time, roofs deteriorate, they get old, and compromise your protection. They can absorb moisture from rain and weaken from years of strong winds. Prevention is better than repair, but if your roof is too old, it may be best to fully replace it. An aging roof is prone to leaks and all sorts of problems. Call Parish Roofing for more information.
Getting into your attic and crawl space is an important step in finding a roof leak. Inspecting the interior space of your attic allows you to examine the rafters for signs of moisture, water stains, puddles, peeling paint, wet drywall, insulation, and most importantly, mold growth.
When inspecting for moisture damage it is important to use a powerful flashlight. Doing so allows you to accurately identify damp or moldy insulation as well as dark spots on rafters and roof sheathing. Also, look for cracks in the attic ceilings, joints, and discoloration on the walls.
Mold growth in your attic is very easy to identify. It is a dark fuzzy spot on your wall with colored specks of orange, white, green, or brown. Common signs you have mold in your attic include:
A little light shining through your attic is not the end of the world, in fact, it can be normal. There are many contributing factors to light shining through such as soffit or ridge vents. The trouble begins when shining light appears to be a significant amount, as well as being accompanied by large warters stains. When it comes to roofs, if there’s water it usually means trouble.
When finding a roof leak on your own, you will need a couple of tools to ensure the job is done correctly and in a safe manner. If you don’t have these your local hardware store probably carries most of these items. Remember that if you don’t have all the tools necessary, relying on a friend is also never a bad idea. Safety always comes first, so make sure that your tools are in good working condition to ensure you don’t injure yourself in the process.
Sometimes it is necessary to get on top of your roof to find a leak.
Safety gear includes proper footwear and a hard helmet. Non-slip work boots are non-negotiable as you can risk slipping. Safety is your number one priority.
A powerful flashlight or headlamp is important, especially if your attic has no light fixtures. These tools will allow you to properly identify any signs of a leak.
Having a face cover is important, especially if you believe you are dealing with mold growth, as breathing in the spores can be toxic. This is especially true if you are someone already dealing with respiratory problems, such as asthma.
A long enough hose is required to carry out the hose method.
Having a pry bar can be helpful to get a good look at the roof deck.
So, you’ve got a roof leak. You’ve spent a backbreaking amount of hours upon hours searching high and low for evidence of a leak. Now what? What do you do? The next step would be locating the leak. It’s best to pick a rainy day to do thus, as this will allow you to listen for dripping water.
If you have no attic, you can begin checking for a leak by climbing your roof and looking around. Once you’re up there, you can look for missing and damaged shingles, as these are usually compromised spots which could lead to a leak. Read on to learn what you can do when you have no access to your attic!
Sometimes it is hard to locate the entry point of water when looking for the source of your leak. An alternative way to locate it is by getting on top of your roof. Use a ladder to get on top of your roof, and with a flashlight or headlamp, look at areas prone to leaking water, such as vents and skylights. It is also helpful to look at damaged shingles to see if there is any rotting wood underneath them.
For this, it is important to get up on top of the roof, and with a pry bar, gently lift up damaged shingles to look at the roof deck, and if you see tar paper that's broken along with rotting wood, then you know you have a leak. Once the damaged shingles have been removed, with a water hose, work your way up from the bottom to the top of your roof and spray suspected areas. On the inside have someone listen for dripping. Make sure to spend several minutes on each suspecting area before moving on, as this ensures you can rule out whether the leak is coming from there or not.
Sometimes no matter what you try, you may be unable to find a roof leak. If you cannot do so, you can enlist the help of some more advanced tools such as:
There are many steps homeowners can take to fix roof leaks on their own. For example, homeowners can reseal roof flashing, reapply sealant, and even fix shingles by patching them. One of the easiest DIY projects can be cleaning the gutters by removing debris that blocks water from draining properly. Although slightly less recommended, if you’ve got the know-how, you could even remove moss patches on your own as doing so prevents the possibility of water damage.
We understand that some homeowners have the necessary experience to successfully carry out certain DIY home improvement projects, like locating a roof leak. However, you may be unsure or uncomfortable with carrying out the repairs. Whatever the reasoning is, when in doubt, it is always best to call a professional. At Parish Roofing you can trust we will make all the necessary repairs at a price you can afford.
Look, you don’t have to wait to have a roof leak to start thinking about them. In fact, there are many precautions you can take to minimize the possibility of getting a roof leak. Some preventive steps homeowners can take to prevents leaks are:
A good way to prolong the life of your is to get regular inspections done. The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests you get your roof inspected twice a year, once in the spring and in the fall. Doing so ensures that any severe weather changes during the seasons don’t compromise the structural foundation of your roof.
While taking on a DIY project may seem simple and more cost effective, we don’t recommend attempting any extensive repairs without the proper knowledge and expertise. Finding a roof leak can prove to be dangerous, as you can slip and fall. Further, if you don’t carry out the repairs properly, you can end up with a bigger and even more expensive problem than if you’d let someone else handle it. Sometimes it's best to sit back, relax, and let a professional help.
When you need your roof repaired, Parish Roofing Solutions is the company to call! That’s because we know that roof repair is more than just construction – it’s about protecting your home and family from the harsh power of the elements. And according to our amazing clients, we’re the best roofing company around.
Just because there is a problem with your roof, it does not mean that it needs to be replaced.
Our roof replacement services include a total roofing system replacement.
We handle all manner of hail damage, and inclement weather restoration.
Our commercial roofers are experienced with both industrial and retail roof repair solutions.
Parish Roofing Solutions provides the highest-quality roofing to North Texas families and businesses, protecting their most precious investment in a sustainable, permanent way.
Parish Roofing Solutions serves the entire DFW area, from Fort Worth to McKinney. Your roof helps protect your home from the most recurring form of damage, Texas weather, and it deserves special attention. You can count on Parish Roofing Solutions to get the job done right.
We take pride in serving our customers and the local community.
