How To Tell If Your Roof Leak Is Serious!

Roof leaks are sneaky; small leaks can be deceiving, leading you to believe there is some time before you need to call a roofing service to get them out to take care of it.

While that may be true sometimes, there’s a higher possibility it’s more serious than you realize.

Even seemingly small leaks could reveal a problem much worse than you’d expect, one that ends up needing extensive roof repairs or even a roofing replacement.

Rather than ending up in that type of situation, inspect any leak you find a little closer before assuming there is plenty of time to get it fixed.

If you notice any of these signs, that leak is potentially serious and has likely been there longer than you think!

1. Water Stains or Spots

The top sign that you have a leak that requires the attention of a roofer and it’s been there for a while is the evidence of water stains on the inside of your attic or water spotting on the exterior of your house.

Stains on beams, flooring, and even the contents of your attic suggest an ongoing, sneaky leak that has evaded you for a while.

Spotting on the exterior of the house underneath the eaves is another indication of leaking that’s been happening for a while.

You might be surprised at the extent of the damage uncovered by a roofing contractor if the leak has been present for quite a while.

2. Damage Inside the House

Another big sign that you need to call a roofing company in a hurry is if interior damage appears like

  • Buckling and peeling paint or wallpaper.
  • Sagging or stained ceiling.
  • Moisture or stains on the walls.
  • Attic insulation that’s disintegrating.
  • Other moisture-related damage.

all of which are a prime indicator that you’ve had a leak for some time.

This kind of damage does not happen overnight and should be remedied as soon as possible before it gets worse.

3. Mold, Mildew, and Other Growth

The presence of moisture in your home in spite of a fully-functioning HVAC system is another big indicator of a leak that’s been there for a while.

Unhealthy mold in attic corners or in the insulation as well as mildew on the roofing structure or other surfaces means there’s either water coming in from somewhere or you have a serious attic ventilation problem, both of which need to be repaired by a roofer.

If you see mold, algae, or moss growing on your roof or the exterior walls of your home, this is another sign that there is a moisture problem that needs correcting.

Untended, exterior moisture issues can lead to more leaking that can cause extensive damage both inside and outside the house.

4. Structural Damage to Roof or Foundation

A sagging roof or one that has shifted in any way is another issue that points to leaks that have been there for a while, long enough to allow the structural framework of the roof to soften and change due to rot and other water damage.

Sometimes the first indicator that your roof is causing the problem might be hairline cracks in the foundation if the roof has shifted or become too heavy from water absorption in places that you have no idea are getting wet.

5. Intermittent Leaks In Colder Weather

There’s nothing more annoying than an intermittent leak, especially if the leak is noticeable when the weather is above freezing but seems to go away when it’s below freezing.

This could mean that your shingles are suffering from a destructive condition called ice damming, which could lead to needing to have a new roofing installed.

Ice damming occurs when water gets under the shingles for whatever reason and then freezes, expanding in that small space and further lifting shingles so they leak even more.

If the problem isn’t noticed right away, it could result in widespread damage under the shingles and a very expensive repair.

Even the Little Leaks Can Be Serious

It’s easy to get fooled into thinking that a little bit of water in the attic, a small stain, or an intermittent leak is just a minor roofing problem that can be repaired later rather than sooner.

What you might not know is that the leak is bigger or has been there much longer than you realize, in which case there’s likely a lot more damage than you realize.

Look for these signs above that your leak is more serious than you think, then prevent more extensive damage by calling a roofer at the first notice of any leak at all!

Got Leaks?

Roofers Conroe Can Fix Them!

Call (936) 209-2162 Now!

Learn How To Recognize Hail Damage To Your Roof!

Roofers in Magnolia Texas 3261

 

In its various forms, hail can cause severe damage to roofs, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the chance of material degradation. Occurring as anything from small, sharp crystals to huge balls of ice, hail can cause varying degrees of destruction to different materials, sometimes to the point that roofers should be called to make repairs. Homeowners may not even realize they have sustained hail damage, yet it is important to identify it so that appropriate repairs can be planned.

Hail Damage on Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are fairly durable in most conditions; however, they can suffer hail damage. Generally speaking, hail must be about 1 inch in diameter before it causes damage to asphalt roofs.  Age and condition can make shingles more susceptible, even with smaller hail. Impact from larger hail can cause dents in the surface, creating cracks and splits underneath and loosening shingle adhesive, increasing the possibility that leaks will start.

Hail can also wear away the protective granule coating on asphalt shingles. Asphalt granules collecting in the gutters are one of the primary signs of hail damage, as are many little impact dents across the surface of the shingles. If either of these symptoms is noticed, homeowners should call to have roofers inspect the damage and determine whether repairs are necessary.

Hail Damage on Metal Roofs

Hail damage is usually much easier to see on metal roofs; however, it is also much more destructive. Depending on the thickness and type of the metal, ice balls of various sizes can cause substantial damage to metal panels and even durable metal shingles. This can disrupt the way sheets lay against the underlayment and decking.

Metal roofing can also suffer scuffs and discolorations due to hail splatter, which is slushy precipitation mixed with ice. Not only is this damage on metal unsightly, as dents and discolorations are easy to spot, it can increase the chance of corrosion at the impact points. Dented metal panels are also more susceptible to leaks or wind damage.  

Hail Damage on Other Roof Types

Asphalt shingles and metal are not the only types of roofing material that can suffer hail damage. Hail can leave dents and splits on wood shingles and shakes, causing loss of water tightness. It may chip, crack, or break shingles and tiles made of concrete and ceramic. Dents and cracks in BUR and membrane roofing may be an indicator of damage from hail as well.

Even slate, which is one of the strongest materials used by roofers today, can sustain chips, cracks, and breaks when hit with larger diameter ice balls. Flashing, trims, and gutters on any home can be damaged to where it must be repaired to function properly.

Although smaller hail may not affect any of these materials, anything above an inch in diameter can be highly destructive, leaving cracks, chips, splits and dents that can drastically affect the performance of different roofs. Hail damage can be deceiving, appearing to affect only the top surface of the roof; however, leaking and other problems frequently follow. Homeowners who recognize any of the above signs or suspect they could have hail damage should contact local roofers that can climb up and take a closer look!

Got Hail Damage In Magnolia Texas?

The Roofers At GMA Restoration Can Repair Hail Damage!

Call (936) 209-2162!