How Can I Detect a Leaky Roof? Here Are 5 Signs it’s Serious

roofing

Your home’s roofing is built to take on a significant amount of damage before it needs to be replaced. While the average roof with asphalt shingles can last between 20 and 50 years, this life expectancy might be shortened if you live in an area prone to inclement weather. Rain, snow, wind, and even sunshine can all play a huge role in damaging the integrity of your home.

There are few home problems that are worse than a leaky roof. Even if you perform the proper roof maintenance, a leaky roof could strike at any time and put your home — and your family — at risk. After all, a leaky roof can rot beams, promote the growth of harmful mold and mildew, and damage your goods.

If you suspect your home is suffering a leak, here are the top five signs to look for that suggest you need to contact a roof replacement contractor.

1. Your attic is humid

A humid attic is one of the first signs you might be dealing with a leaky roof. While many homes might feel a little humid during periods of rain, your attic should never show signs of condensation on its structural beams or walls. Keep in mind that a leaky roof could also occur in the winter. Even though you think the snow will rest cozily on top of your house, perhaps even promoting your home’s insulation, the warm air from your home can melt the bottom layer of snow on your roof. A leaky roof can truly happen at any time.

Regardless of the season, condensation is the first indicator that cracks are forming in your roof. If it isn’t dealt with, you might start to notice mold, mildew, or even fungi begin to grow. Widespread condensation will necessitate a roof replacement.

2. Your home smells musty

Condensation is a huge indicator of a larger problem, but many homes can grow mold and mildew without the obvious presence of moisture accumulation. If you notice a musty smell in your home, this is the first sign that you may be dealing with a mold problem.

This can be difficult to pin down since molds and mildews don’t always present themselves in obvious places. Molds can grow on your beams, between your walls, and in your home’s insulation. Even if you can’t see the mold, a musty smell can suggest that your home is dealing with a larger issue. Watch out for mold growths and musty smells in all areas of your home. Then, call the proper roofing contractors to identify sources of water infiltration.

3. There are signs of stains

Brown, yellow, or even black ceiling stains are a huge sign that your roof has suffered a leak. While many homes with leaky roofs might never see this sign of water infiltration, a stained ceiling indicates that water has seeped into the plaster of your home. You may even start to hear the delicate patter of water in your home or in your walls that indicate a large leak has occurred.

This necessitates immediate attention. Don’t hesitate to call roof replacement contractors to stem the leak and get a proper residential roofing replacement.

4. Your roof is sagging

A sagging roof means that you need an immediate roof replacement. This indicates that mold and rot from water damage have damaged your roofing and your rafters, putting the structural integrity of your home in jeopardy. A single harsh wind might strip your roof from your home, putting your entire house in danger.

Watch for any signs of dipping, sagging, or pooling water on your roof before it’s too late.

5. Your roof is falling apart

A missing shingle is a common sign that your roof isn’t holding up as it should, but there are other, less obvious signs that your roof isn’t doing well. If you notice pieces of shingle in your downspout, this means that your shingles have begun to reach the end of their life. Shingles will slowly decay over time because of inclement weather. While it isn’t uncommon to notice a couple of pieces in your downspout after a storm, consistent signs of shingle rotting can lead to a weaker roof that’s more prone to leaking.

If you notice any of these signs of a leaky roof, don’t hesitate to call the roof replacement contractors Northern VA trusts to get the job done right: with Style Roofing, we know how to spot roofing at the end of its life. We will ensure the integrity of your home is maintained thanks to our expert team of roofing contractors. Contact us today to discuss roof replacement costs and more information about residential roofing replacement and how to spot a leaky roof in the first place.

Share