Is Your Roof Leaking? (7 Roof Repair Signs to Look Out For)

June 9, 2022

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Timely roof repair is an excellent investment for any home! The longer you put off needed roof fixes, the more damage it typically suffers. In turn, your eventual repair costs are higher than if you called a contractor at the first sign of damage! Additionally, roof leaks risk interior water damage and mold, and can even affect property values.

However, some homeowners put off repairs simply because they don’t realize a roof needs patching and other fixing. To ensure your home is in good condition, check out 7 signs that it’s time to call a roofing contractor. You can then discuss these issues with him or her as needed and schedule roof repairs or new roof installation.

Damaged shingles needing roof repair

1. Interior ceiling leaks? It’s probably time for roof repair!

There are many causes for ceilings leaks and water stains, including plumbing issues and trapped humidity. However, if you’ve ruled these out, it’s time for a full-scale roof inspection! Roof damage including cracks and missing shingles allows water to seep into interior spaces. Consequently, you might soon notice stains on the ceiling, drips, and other related issues.

Whatever the cause of interior ceiling leaks, don’t put off needed repairs! Ceiling construction materials risk cracking from excess moisture and water drips. In turn, those panels might outright collapse before too long. Also, you might consider replacing damaged ceiling panels after scheduling roof or plumbing repairs.

2. Don’t overlook granules in the gutters or elsewhere

Over time, asphalt shingles tend to break down or get brittle and then crack and split. As a result, you might soon notice shingle granules in your home’s gutters or along the ground near the house. Additionally, risks such as high winds, heavy rain, and other related issues can strip shingle granules. Aging shingles can also lose granules due to everyday wear.

Never overlook this issue around your property, as those granules keep water from puddling on the roof. Also, granules supply a layer of protection for those shingles. Once you notice these granules anywhere around your property, schedule a roof inspection!

3. Clogged gutters can indicate roof damage and needed repairs!

Along with shingle granules, other debris from a damaged roof might end up in your home’s gutters. For instance, when shingles get brittle, pieces of them might break away and roll off the roof. Additionally, shingles pulling away from the roof can mean loose nails that end up in a home’s gutters.

Inclement weather that results in debris piling up in the gutters can also risk damage to shingles. If the weather has been so rough in your area that gutters clog, the roof probably needs inspecting! Also, roof eaves and shingles absorb standing water from clogged gutters, risking damage. In turn, it’s vital that you schedule a roof inspection if you notice clogged gutters around your home.

4. Don’t dismiss missing shingles or “bald” spots along a roof

It’s not unusual for a roof to be missing a few shingles, especially after high winds or heavy storms move through your area. In many cases, a homeowner can replace a few shingles quickly and easily. However, several missing shingles and especially bare or “bald” spots can signal roof damage.

One reason for this is that shingles protect roof decking, or the plywood that blocks outside moisture. In turn, missing shingles leave that decking exposed and at greater risk of damage. Also, older roofs tend to lose shingles due to cracking and other serious issues. Consequently, it’s vital that you schedule a roof inspection if you notice patches of missing shingles.

Hail damage needing roof repair for a Dallas home.

5. Curled and buckled shingles need immediate replacing!

Age, excessive sunlight, and water damage can cause shingles to curl and buckle. Additionally, algae growing underneath shingles pushes them up from the decking beneath them. In turn, you might notice wavy or uneven areas over your home’s roof.

Once shingles start to curl or buckle, they need immediate replacing. Damaged shingles offer little protection against interior water leaks and can pull away from the roof. Additionally, it’s vital that you clean away growing algae. This material only continues to grow when left unchecked, risking even more roof damage.

6. Check vent boots and flashing

When checking a roof for damage, a homeowner might only note the condition of shingles or tiles. However, damaged vent boots and torn or curled flashing also indicate damage and needed repairs!

If you’re not familiar with these materials, note that plumbing vents “stick out” from your home’s roof. These pipes help create suction that keeps your home’s plumbing operational. The boot is a thick piece of rubber around the base of these pipes, sealing their connection to the roof.

Flashing refers to thin metal pieces attached to the roof where shingles meet eaves or other obstructions. These pieces provide a seal or trench, keeping out water and directing it off the roof. When these materials get damaged, this can often indicate needed roof repair and even new roof installation.

7. Mold inside or outside the home

A roof in good condition should encourage water runoff, directing rainwater and melting snow to attached gutters. However, a damaged roof often allows for standing water and damp debris on the roof. In turn, mold often forms around roof eaves, where exterior walls meet the roof, and around flashing.

Additionally, roof leaks let in moisture that encourages mold growth. You might then notice mold on walls or along an attic roof. Rather than simply cleaning this mold, schedule a roof inspection and needed repairs.

What damage can a leaking roof cause?

Don’t ignore a leaking roof and other needed repairs! There are many reasons to schedule needed patching and other fixes at the first sign of damage. A leaky roof can cause many problems.

  • Roof leaks risk structural wood rot and resultant cracking and weakening. Eventually, a leaking roof can collapse in various areas, risking costly damage.
  • Water also collects around ceiling and wall materials including drywall and framing. In turn, these materials can also crumble and crack.
  • Cracks in a roof let in moisture that encourages mold growth throughout the home. Additionally, trapped moisture risks mildew underneath carpeting and along fabric furniture items.
  • Leaks and moisture also risk damage to paint, wallpaper, plaster, and other materials around the home.
  • Roof damage can risk foundation issues! A roof leak can mean water making its way down to a home’s foundation. Next, that water can easily collect around foundation concrete or in a crawl space and risk cracks and leaks.
  • Holes in the roof let in unwanted pests. In turn, your home might suffer a very unpleasant infestation! Also, consider that rodents and insects can mean costly damage around the home.

Above all, an old and damaged roof often affects property values. Consequently, you might lose equity in your home rather than build it over the years.

completing a roof repair

How long can you leave a leaking roof?

Repair contractors never recommend leaving a leaking roof even for a few days and no matter the weather. Remember that humidity, dew, droplets falling from nearby trees, and other moisture all collect on a home’s roof. Consequently, you risk interior water damage even if it’s not raining or snowing outside.

Additionally, note that cracks and leaks tend to get worse and especially if a roof is missing some shingles. The more moisture absorbed by roof decking and other materials, the more risk of damage. Also, leaks and missing shingles mean less insulation for interior spaces. In turn, you lose more heated and cooled air, for higher utility costs year-round.

While roofs and ceilings rarely collapse, this can happen especially if you ignore a leaking roof too long. That water damage softens plywood, drywall, and other construction materials. Eventually, they might outright crumble and crack, risking collapse inside and outside the home. This damage is costly to repair and dangerous for anyone standing in the vicinity!

A leaky ceiling and the potential for mold

Leaky or damaged roofs and ceilings can risk mold, as said. Mold is always present in the air but grows more rapidly in dark, damp spaces. In turn, a damaged roof that lets moisture into the home can risk mold growth behind walls. Along with mold, it’s not uncommon to notice mildew in homes with leaking roofs.

Also, a damaged roof might trap damp storm debris rather than allowing that debris to wash into nearby gutters. Consequently, you might soon notice mold along exterior walls and eaves. Additionally, moss, algae, and mildew often develop on damp roofs! Algae is especially damaging, growing quickly underneath asphalt shingles. These residues damage a roof even further and create a very unhealthy outdoor environment!

The Dallas Roofers is happy to provide this information to our readers about needed roof repair for a home. Hopefully you found it helpful for keeping your home’s roof in good condition! If you notice any signs of roof damage, call our Dallas roof repair contractors right away. We’ll schedule a FREE, full-scale inspection and repair price quote. Above all, we ensure quality repairs guaranteed in writing. To get your property started, give us a call today.

 

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