Signs That Your Roof Has a Leak
We’ve all seen a character on TV or in a movie whose roof springs a leak. They run around in a panic placing pots and buckets under the streams of water.
That scenario isn’t impossible in real life, but it’s not super likely either.
Just because there aren’t puddles in your kitchen the morning after a hail storm doesn’t mean there isn’t roof damage. In reality, it may take a few days, weeks, or even months for damage to reach the interior of your home.
What causes your roof to leak, and what are some tried and true signs that you have one? Keep reading to find out.
What Causes Leaks?
Some of the most common causes of leaks are:
Weather — In Oklahoma, weather is one of the most common causes of leaks. Hail, high wind, heavy rain, tornadoes, and falling tree branches can damage your roof.
Foot traffic — When you get on your roof to clean your gutters or have someone from the HVAC or cable company get on your roof, you put your shingles at risk. Dragging feet, sliding toolboxes, or new holes in the roof to accommodate wires or hardware can all introduce water into your roofing system.
Christmas lights — Nailing your Christmas lights to your shingles is a big no-no! Just don’t do it.
Poor ventilation — Roofing systems need good ventilation to prevent ice dams in the winter. Proper ventilation also keeps your AC costs lower in the summer.
Signs of a Leak
If you notice any of the following signs of a leak, you should get in touch with a roofing contractor right away. Some of these indicate that there’s already significant damage.
Water spots on the interior ceiling (check around ceiling fixtures like lights and fans too)
Mold on the outside of your home where the exterior wall and roof meet
Damaged or missing flashing
Warped or missing shingles, or shingles that are missing their UV coating granules
Leaking or blocked gutters (these can cause water to build up and seep into the roof)
Uneven or sagging spots on the roof (can also be raised sections that “bubble” up)
Discoloration or damage to the soffits
Think You Have a Leak?
If you think you have any of the leak warning signs above, what can you do? Schedule a free roof inspection with our team.
Not only are we great with roofs, but we’re also great with insurance companies. We’ll help you file your claim and provide the documentation (photos, videos, inspection report, etc.) that your insurance company needs to approve your request. We’ll even be there to meet with your insurance adjuster to make sure all of your repair needs are included in the claim.
Don’t wait until you have buckets of water pouring into your living room. Delaying your claim could lead to your insurance claim being denied. Why? Because you only have 12 months after the damage happens to file your claim. That means if you finally notice water leaking through your interior ceiling 12 months and 1 day after a storm, you’re out of luck. You’ll have to pay for the roof work yourself.