How to Spot a Roof Leak

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How to Spot a Roof Leak

This month Austin has been hit with hail storms, high wind storms, heavy rain storms, and all of the above! This week, homeowners experienced heavy rainstorms in most areas of Austin. After potential hail damage, this rain can lead to roof leaks. Fortunately, we can tell you how to spot a roof leak.

If you don’t take care of a roof leak as soon as possible it can lead to extensive damage. Water left sitting from even small leaks can soak into your insulation, ceiling, deck, and other areas. Electrical wiring can become damaged over time leading to the potential for blackouts and even fires. Early detection of a leak may allow for straightforward repair work. Waiting could cause the damage to spread to other areas of your roof leading to costly repairs.

Common Signs of a Roof Leak

Water Stains on Ceilings and Walls

One of the most common signs of a roof leak is watermarks or brown “rusty” stains on the ceiling, walls, or attic. It could be a sign of a previous or current leak. Inspect your roof if you see any water stains.

Watermarks can also look different. Darkened ceiling paint or peeling, cracked, or bubbling paint can be a sign of a leak. It’s worth it to get an inspection if you notice any of these signs.

Musty Odors

If you notice a musty smell that hangs around in your home, it could mean there’s a leak. If water is sitting inside the ceiling or trapped in the attic, it will lead to mildew growth. This mildew growth causes a musty smell. Mold and mildew can grow within 24-48 hours of being exposed to moisture inside the home. Even the smallest roof leak can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home rapidly.

Damaged or Missing Shingles

If your home has experienced hail and/or heavy rains, it’s always good to inspect your roof from the ground. Especially if you’re suspicious of a roof leak. Go outside to see if you notice any damaged or missing shingles. Hard to see areas should be inspected by a professional. If you notice any damaged or missing shingles, you should get it repaired as soon as possible. Continuous rain on a roof that is not protected will lead to a leak if it hasn’t already.

Areas to Inspect for Leaks

Attic Inspection

If you have an attic, this is the first area you should check. Use a flashlight to look for moisture, stains, and deteriorating sheathing. Check for any mold or mildew growth. All of these are signs of a rook leak.

Exterior Roof Inspection

You should at least do a ground inspection after a hail or heavy storm. During a ground inspection, look for damaged shingles, clogged gutters, or damaged flashing. If you notice anything of this nature, there could be an active leak or a leak looming. You should get a professional inspection if you notice these signs.

Around Roof Penetrations

If you think you might have a leak, you should check areas around roof penetrations. Areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights are prone to leaking and should be inspected.

What to Do If You Find a Leak

If you find a roof leak there is a temporary solution you can do while you wait for a roofing company. Waterproof tarps are great to place over the leak to prevent any further water from entering through the damage. First and foremost, you should reach out to a roofing professional to fix the leak as soon as possible. At Wilson Roofing, if you have an active leak, we will put you on our high-priority list. Then, we’ll send a roofing advisor out to inspect the leak followed shortly by scheduling a repair service. Contact us today for a free inspection if you’ve spotted a leak!