Signs of a Leaking Roof
Taking care of your home is an investment that pays off in the long run, so it helps to be aware of signs that it’s time for repairs. The roof is the most important part of the house and when signs of aging are starting to get visible, it helps to repair them immediately.
One of the most common problems that many households are facing is a leaking roof, especially during the rainy season. When you see signs that your roof might cause you problems when the rain pours, don’t put off repairing it after the rain. You’ll never know when there are hidden damages on your roof that needs immediate renovation.
Signs of a Leaking Roof
- Missing, Cracked or Broken Tiles
If you see your tile roof with cracked or broken tiles, mortars and ridge caps, your home may be vulnerable to leaks, so before the rainy days come, make sure that these tiles are fixed, re-bedded or re-pointed. In the same light, missing tiles should also be replaced immediately to prevent further damage and severe roof leaking.
- Damage Plumbing Vent Boots
Depending on the type of material used for your vent boots, and the extent of damage, you can either repair or replace them. If the plumbing vent boots are still in good condition but the nails were just pulled out, you can simply replace them with new nails or rubber-washer screws.
- Stains on the Interior Ceiling
The accumulation of water and other forms of stains on your ceiling is the most common sign that your roof is leaking. The majority of these stains gather in the centre of the ceiling, however, it is also imperative to inspect corners and alcoves where they are more likely to be overlooked.
- Moulds and Mildew
A leaky roof often manifest moulds and mildew because of the moisture that is accumulating on the materials of your roof. These are especially seen on the ceiling and walls inside and outside the house. When this happens, it may be best to call your trusted roofer to inspect your roof for leaks.
- Odd Smell
When roofs and the structures between them and the interior ceiling are constantly soaked in water, they tend to get mouldy or soiled and because there is not enough ventilation in that space, it gives off a stench that can be annoying at times. In this case, a roof inspection may also be proper.
- When You See or Hear Drippings
Drippings may get through your internal ceiling or just through your roof, so you can either see or hear drippings when it rains. While you seem to be safe for the time being, neglecting the issue can cause further damage in the future.
- Damp External Walls
Another sign that says you need to have your roof inspected for leaks is damp external walls. Physically touch the wall and if they are damp, it may mean that you have gutter or downpipe problems or your roof is getting unfit and causing leaks.
- Your Exterior Walls are Growing
Consequently, as your walls are constantly getting wet, they will also start growing moulds, mildew, grimes, algae and other fungal growths. When this happens, surely, you are facing severe roof leaking problems. While it may not be dripping inside the house, it may be dripping within the attic and in the long run, can cost you bigger repairs.
- Gutter Issues
There are several problems in the gutter that can lead to a leaking roof. This includes rusted, leaking and blocked gutters. Some may also involve missing gutter aprons. These gutter problems allow the water to get through the structure of your property which is often manifested in water leaks.
- Ice Dams
Essentially, water entry can cause ice dams. This is the persistent thawing of snow on the roof portions that have received heat from the sun or inside the building but freezes again over the cold eave.
- Shiners
Nails that missed the framing member are called shiners. The condensation on cold nails often happens when water escapes from the rooms below and enters the cold attic. The condensation then freezes on a cold night and drips during a hot day. This is clearly a sign that water is getting into your home.
- Wet or Rusty Pipes
If your roof plumbing is damp all the time and signs of rusting are beginning to grow, it may be the right time to call for a roofer to check it for signs of leaking. When water is getting past through your plumbing structures, it is most likely that somewhere on your roof is the water’s entry point.
- Soffit Issues
Soffits are attic ventilation that optimises the airflow within that small space between your roof and ceiling. When this is clogged or has accumulated dirt, dust and debris, there can be a high chance that you will experience roof leaking.
When any of these signs become evident, then now is the time to call a reputable roofer near you for roof inspection and repair.
Contact Brisbane Roof and Paint for quality yet affordable roofing services!
