Your roof is a lot more sensitive than it might seem. With constant exposure to weather conditions over the year, many things can cause damage to your roof. A leaking roof is not only a major annoyance, but it can also be a costly repair. In most cases, it doesn’t take much time and effort to notice that your roof has begun leaking. However, finding the exact area that has been damaged can be difficult. The place where the water drips often doesn’t mean that that’s where the actual damage is. However, it is important to notice any damage on your roof as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse it will get. This is why it is essential to do a roof check-up before rainier seasons arrive. Some roof damage can be fixed with a simple repair, while others might require a replacement of the whole roof. We will discuss some of the most common early signs you have a roof leak so that you may take action on time.
Cracked or broken shingles
Shingles that need repair or replacement are one of the main reasons people call for roof inspection for their yearly check-ups. Shingles can get warped, cracked, or lost during bad weather conditions. These are enough to check your shingles before the wet seasons arrive.
Locating a damaged shingle is also a reliable indication of the leak’s source. Additionally, this is one of the easiest fixes because shingles can be repaired or replaced individually. You should, however, not attempt roof fixing on your own if you don’t have any experience. It may sound like a cheaper option, but you could cause even more damage to your roof by accident.
Roof flashing damage
Roof flashing, usually made from aluminum or steel, is placed on the areas where your roof meets the walls of your house or the chimney. It is what stops water from getting through the site where they meet. Most of the corners on your roof should have flashing, too. If it gets damaged, the water will pass through the openings and into your home. However, just like with shingles, you can inspect the roof flashing for any issues before the leak makes the problem obvious.
Water stain marks
One of the most obvious early signs you have a roof leak is the water stains. These yellow or brown marks can appear around your house on both the ceilings and the walls.
If you notice such stains, you should have your roof checked as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the bigger the water stains will get with every rainfall. Many roof leaks originate from cracked or broken shingles. However, the issue can also be more subtle and difficult to detect, so calling a roof inspector is advisable.
The expansion of the water stain marks can also damage anything you have on your walls or ceilings. Experts at professionalmoverottawa.com advise that you empty the affected room of any items that might get damaged by water. This involves paintings, electrical devices, and furniture.
If the stain is on the wall covered by some large furniture, like a wardrobe, you should move the furniture away from it. This will allow the air to circulate and dry the water stain faster.
Dripping sound
Sometimes you might not even have any visible stains. However, you could hear a dripping sound in your room or attic. This is another obvious sign of a leaking roof. Unfortunately, water dripping isn’t a reliable sign that that is the source of the roof leak. Drops of water can travel quite far from the roof before reaching a spot where they can drop onto the floor.
One of the first things you should do when you identify the location of the dripping is to get something to collect the water. Plastic buckets are cheap and easily accessible in stores. Make sure your bucket takes at least a couple of hours to fill before needing to be emptied. This will ensure you don’t have to constantly empty the bucket and can focus on inspecting the roof or calling a roof inspector.
Unfortunately, the place where the water is dripping could happen to be in the middle of your room, in which case you will need to find a safe place for your belongings. Getting in contact with a moving company and renting storage during renovation will provide you with space large enough to keep everything dry and secure. That way, you can focus on getting your roof fixed without having to dry your carpets or worry about your electrical equipment getting water damage.
Gutter issues
Your gutters are essential for directing all the water from your room away from your house. The water and the weather exposure will rust your gutters over time. That means the water can start leaking through the gutter and onto your house’s walls, leading to a leak inside your home.
Additionally, the gutters can get clogged with debris. This is especially the case during fall, with all the dry leaves flying around. Leaves, broken twigs, and other organic materials can pile up in your gutters and stop the water from flowing away. This is why paying special attention to your gutters during your roof check-up is very important.
Final thoughts
The roof is a critical component of every home, and we must keep it in top shape. Most early signs you have a roof leak come from the damage caused to your roof by harsh weather conditions. It is important to detect and repair the damage early before it worsens. This is why it is good to have a reliable roof inspector and to know what to ask them when they come to check your roof. You want to have a clear picture of the state of your roof and know what needs fixing right now and what might need fixing in the near future.
