5 Warning Signs of Roof Leaks
To the untrained eye, only the large roof leaks are visible. It requires a keen eye to spot the tiny leaks. These leaks can be as equally damaging as the large ones. For one, they can compromise the structural integrity of the roof. Thus, during heavy snowfall, the roof could cave in. Although you should invite a professional over to do regular checks on your roof, here are some signs that should raise eyebrows. If you spot any of these, call in a professional to conduct repairs.
Bulging Shingles
It is usually the first sign of trouble, which most people ignore until it is too late. Bulging roof shingles are an indication of deeper problems with your roof. The shingles are just the top layer of your roof. If the shingles start to show signs of bulging and other distortions, it means the lower layers are in trouble. It means that the installation job was below standards and you could be having tiny leaks. These leaks could cause rot and damage the entire roof if not stopped in good time. Get a ladder at least twice a year and visually check your roof for any damaged shingles.
Water Spots on the Ceiling and Walls
No matter how tiny the roof leak is, it will cause a water spot to appear on your walls and ceiling. Check the walls and ceilings often. At times, the water spots may be too faint to notice with ease. Walk around the house when you are free and carefully inspect every inch of your ceiling. Although it may seem like an arduous task, it could save you the cost of having to conduct expensive repairs.
Algae Growth
If a roof has a leak, it means the water is not running off, as it should. Thus, the excessive accumulation of moisture could cause algae to grow on your shingles. However, the algae may not be visible at first glance. The reason is that the leak may be a small one. To be sure there are no leaks, inspect you roof on a clear day when the sun is shining brightly. It will be easier to spot any algae growing on your roof.
Granules in the Gutter
Granules chip off all the time. However, if the quantity seems too high, you may have a problem. If there seems to be a high concentration, get a ladder and begin your visual inspection. You will need to look for shingles that look exposed. It usually means that it has lost most of the granules. The granules are meant to keep shingles shielded from UV. If they are not there, there is a high chance that the shingles are not performing their duty effectively.
A Spongy Feel
A common method of determining that the roof is letting in water is if it feels spongy when you walk on it. It means that moisture has weakened the underlying deck. To confirm your suspicions, go into the attic, and check whether there is daylight seeping in through the roof boards. If there is, there is a leak.
If you’re looking for a professional roof inspector or roofing contractors, contact the team at RoofAdvisor today.