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12 Ways To Detect A Leaky Roof Without Getting On Your Roof

12 Ways To Detect A Leaky Roof Without Getting On Your Roof

Roof leaks aren’t always easy to spot, which can allow them to sneak into your home interior and cause damage. Knowing how to detect a leaky roof can help you make sure you have repairs done right away to reduce the risk of damage. However, you should never go up on your roof to check for damage. Instead, you can safely check for the following roof leak signs from the ground.

1. Shingle Damage or Missing Shingles

Shingles missing from your roof means water can seep in and reach your interior. Damaged shingles, such as when cracks, buckling, or other flaws appear, also allow water to get in. You might have shingle damage or missing shingles due to severe weather or wear and tear.

2. Flashing or Underlayment Showing

You shouldn’t be able to spot the underlayment on your roof. If you see areas of exposed underlayment, this means your roof is at risk of having a leak. Exposed flashing can also make your roof vulnerable to leaks since water can quickly get through these gaps.

3. Gutter Problems

Your roof’s gutter system directs water away from your home, which helps prevent leaks from occurring. If you see your gutters pulling away from your house, they can’t move water away from your home. This could end up causing leaks.

4. Vent Pipe Boots Out of Place

Vent pipes on your roof are vulnerable areas where water can get in. Boots around these vent pipes help prevent this from occurring. When these boots are out of place or not intact, this creates gaps or openings where water can flow in and damage your home.

5. Tree Branches or Limbs on Roof

Storms or other adverse weather, such as high winds, can blow tree branches or limbs onto your roof. These limbs and branches can cause damage to your roof, allowing water to get inside. Seeing these on your roof means there’s a chance you could have a leak.

6. Mossy Patches on Roof

Moss needs dampness to grow, so seeing it growing on your roof isn’t a good sign. This could mean there is a small leak providing damp conditions for moss and algae to grow.

7. Dripping Water

When you check for roof leaks inside your home, you might find them on your upper floor or in the attic. Seeing water dripping in these areas is one of the easiest ways to spot a roof leak inside your home. Call a professional roofer right away if you see water dripping.

8. Unexplained Stains and Spots

Stains and spots on ceilings and walls can happen for various reasons. However, if spots or stains show up unexpectedly, it can indicate you have water damage from a roof leak.

9. Mold on Ceiling or Walls

Like moss, mold needs a damp environment to grow. Mold thrives in moist, dark places, including walls and ceiling, if you have a roof leak. Check for dark spots on ceilings and walls or other signs of mold in your home.

10. Musty or Mildewy Odor

Do you notice a musty or mildewy smell inside? While the odor might be faint at times, it’s likely to become more noticeable or intense when the weather is humid or rainy. If you notice this kind of smell in your home, especially in damp weather, have your roof inspected for leaks.

11. Soft Areas in Walls or Ceiling

Roof leaks can lead to wood rot in your attic. Check the walls and ceiling for areas with a soft feel. These areas might indicate wood rot as the wood inside walls and ceilings deteriorates due to water damage from a roof leak.

12. Damp or Humid Home Interior

Your home could feel more humid or damp regularly when your roof is leaking. The water allowed to get inside your home, the more humid it can feel.If you are experiencing any of these signs of a leaky roof, please contact S&S Roofing in Arlington as soon as possible. Our experienced roofers can inspect your roof to determine if and where you have a leak. We can also make the repairs needed to fix roof leaks and keep your home safe from damage.