With the toughest time of the year for homeowners coming up, it’s time to take a serious look at what needs done before winter has fully arrived. For many, the biggest concern is making sure that the roof of the house can withstand the snow and ice that’s on the way. A leaking roof can indicate that there are issues that can cause severe damage if not addressed quickly enough. Here’s what to look for when checking for roof leaks.
1. Spots or Dripping
Moisture can be spotted pretty easily on the interior of the home so keep an eye out for dark circles or areas of your ceiling. Depending on how long the moisture has been present, there may be rings around the area. Typically if there is a leak, the water will pool in the center of the ceiling but smaller leaks may be confined to the corners. Be sure to visually inspect every part of the interior ceiling.
Next, head into the attic to both listen and look for signs of dripping. If there is an active drip, it’s a clear indicator of a potential leak. Sometimes these leaks can be heard within the walls and can be due to poor installation or construction, as well as natural wear and tear.
2. Damaged Roofing and Curved Shingles
There are ways to safely check the condition of your own roof with a visual inspection. If you notice any broken materials, holes in the roof or curling shingles then it’s time to reach out to a professional roofing company. While visible penetration of the roof is a glaring concern for leakage, curved shingles may not be as easy of a tell.
When shingles bend or curl, they no longer allow for the efficient shedding of water and debris that’s required for protecting the roof. If this happens to a shingle, it can allow moisture to get below and start saturating your roof. Having shingle installation and repair handled by a local roofing company can help prevent shingle damage with proper installation.
3. Mold, Fungi and Moss on the Exterior
The formation of mold, fungi or moss is a sign of a high moisture environment. The presence of any of these on the outer walls of the house can be an indication of a roof leak that’s letting water into the walls. When going to check for these growths, it’s important to consider where your home is located and whether or not certain areas are dark and moist due to plants or trees.
4. Damage to Seals Around Pipes
Anything that passes through the roof such as pipes or a chimney need to be sealed and regularly inspected. Since the seal is the only thing stopping water from freely running through, any movement or damage to it can start a leak. The easiest way to check for seal leaks is by verifying if any of your pipes are wet or rusted which would indicate a leak attached to that pipe.
Get Your Roof Ready for Winter With Roofers Elite
Proudly keeping Maine roofs winter-ready, Roofers Elite encourages anyone in need of roof repairs or installation to reach out for a quick consultation.