Roofs can be expensive to replace and maintain. In fact, the range of cost for a roof repair can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to $3,000. Recognizing the early signs of a roof leak can prevent further damage to your roof and will keep the repair costs lower.
Keep reading to learn more about these sneaky signs of a leaky roof.
How To Spot a Leaky Roof
Roof leaks are one of the most common roofing problems and there are many dangers of a leaky roof. Even if they start small, they can grow and cause major damage. Here are a few ways you can spot a leaky roof before it causes major damage and how to fix a leaky roof.
Rusted Gutters
If you have a rusty gutter, this can lead to a roof leak. You can usually spot the rusted section of a gutter or you will see that some of the seams have expanded and opened up.
Because they are not properly sealed, you will need to reseal the area. This can be done with gutter repair tape! Before you patch the seam, you will want to remove the rust from the gutter with a wire brush.
Peeling Paint
One major sign that you have a leak in your home is if the paint on your walls is peeling or flaking off. If the wall has excess water seeping in, it will come through the wall and ceiling and force the paint off the surface of the wall.
If you can’t tell where the leak is coming from, you may need the help of a professional to find the leak and for leaking roof repair.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are a buildup of ice that forms from melted snow and water freezing. If the ice remains on your roof for a long period of time, the heat from your home may cause it to frequently melt and refreeze, allowing water to leak in between the shingles.
If you have an ice dam on your roof or have had problems in the past, you want to make sure you shovel a good amount of fallen snow off your roof. If you have a dam that is already formed, you can use ice melt to keep it from refreezing.
Skylights That Aren’t Installed Correctly
If skylights aren’t installed correctly, you may have water leaking in. Luckily, this is easier to spot. While it may be a problem with the skylight, it may also be an issue with the flashing around the edges of your skylight.
If you have noticed this issue, you can call the person who installed your skylights and have them fix the issue. You can also consider replacing the flashing on the roof.
Clogged Gutters
If you have leaves, sticks, or other debris that is clogging your gutters, it can cause a leak. Because the gutters are blocked, it doesn’t allow water to travel down the gutter and away from the roof. If the water pools near the roof, it can eventually leak through the cracks.
If this is an issue, you need to clean your gutters and make sure they allow proper water flow! It is a good idea to clean your gutters every spring and fall.
Mold or Mildew Growth
Finally, a common sign of a leak is mold and mildew. If you have this growing inside or outside of your home, there must be a water source for it. Check for leaks and see if you can find where it is coming from.
If the problem is getting out of hand, you may need to call a professional mold removal company as well.
Contact A Professional Today!
If you have noticed one of these signs of a roof leak, you need to act quickly. By hiring a professional who can get the job done quickly, you can save money and prevent additional damage to your home.
If you need help with a leaky roof, Ridgepoint Roofing can help! Contact us today to learn more about our services and to get a free quote!
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