Growing up, many cartoons portray roof leaks as something comical. The main character’s household has a silver bucket sitting on the floor, collecting water droplets from the roof. In reality, though, roof leaks are a headache and require costly repair. Even a small roof leak can cause significant damage if not repaired properly and promptly. Here are the common signs and causes of roof leaks.
Water Stains on Your Ceiling
Water stains are hard to miss — they are a murky brown color and are commonly accompanied by mold. A ceiling water stain can be a sure sign of a roof leak. Make sure to pay particular attention to the corners of your ceiling. It can be harder to spot a leak in these areas.
What Causes of Water Stains on My Ceiling?
Damaged or missing shingles most commonly cause water leaks from your roof. Without the shingles to help protect your roof, water can seep in and begin to pool. Your ceiling absorbs the excess moisture, resulting in a stain. It is important to visually inspect your roof periodically and after every storm. High winds, debris, and pounding rain can cause your shingles to rip off, crack, or curl.
Another potential cause of your ceiling’s water stain can be a pool of water seeping through broken flashing. Metal roof flashings are used to seal transitions in your roof. This helps prevent water from pooling up in these areas.
Flashings are most often placed where your roof meets a dormer (a roofed structure that contains usually contains a window), a chimney, and around the edges of skylights. During severe weather or aging, flashing sections may become damaged, slide out of place, and the caulk may have dried or cracked over time.
Moisture or Mold in Your Attic
If excess moisture is present or mold grows in your attic, you may have a roof leak. Damaged shingles, broken flashings, and debris can cause water to build up on your roof and soak through; the ventilation systems can’t handle this excess moisture. Mold growth weakens the integrity of your roof and the structure of your attic.
Leaking Roof or Poor Ventilation?
A leaking roof does not always cause excess moisture in your attic. If your home was built before the 1980s, it might be possible that your attic suffers from poor ventilation, and you may need to renovate. On the other hand, if you notice moisture beading up on the roofing deck, the baseboard, and the roof support, you’re likely dealing with a leak.
Another Possible Cause of a Leaking Roof
Sometimes the least likely suspect is the one at fault. Your gutters are in charge of redirecting rainwater away from your roof and back towards the ground. Unfortunately, debris can build up in your gutters. When this happens, water can pool on your roof and eventually absorb into it, causing water stains on your ceiling, excess moisture in your attic, and water damage to your roof’s foundation. To ensure this doesn’t happen, it is important to periodically clean your gutters and remove noticeable debris.
Roof Leak Detection and Repair Specialists in North Richland Hills, Serving Dallas and Fort Worth areas
Roof leaks, big or small, can cause major damage to your roof and leave homeowners scrambling. Thankfully, Acme Roof Systems’ passionate and driven roofing team has the backs of both homeowners and business owners.
Our team can help you locate the cause of your roof’s leak and then repair and reinforce it so the leak doesn’t come back. Contact our team today for a roof inspection or an estimate on our other roofing services.