How Do I Know My Roof Is Leaking? Seven Signs.
Don’t wait until you have a water stain on your ceiling to figure out if it’s time for a new roof. A visual inspection of your roof in the fall and spring of each year will help you assess the integrity of the roof and roof systems. Keep an eye out for these signs that your roof might be in need of repair or replacement. Then if you spot one or more of these red flags you can call in a roofing professional.
A roof is made up of more than shingles. Steep-slope roof systems, or those roofs with slopes of 25% or more, are comprised of numerous components, including:
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Roof covering
Roof covering – such as shingles, tile, slate, or metal and underlayment– which protect the sheathing from the elements
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Sheathing
Sheathing, like boards or sheet material, that is attached to roof rafters to cover the building
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Roof Structure
The roof structure that is made up of rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing
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Flashing
Flashing, such as sheet metal or other material installed into a roof system’s joints and valleys, that prevent water seepage
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Drainage
Drainage, or the ability for the roof to shed water, depends on a roof system’s design features including shape, slope, and layout
Now that you know the basic components, you are ready to check out your roof.
Look for these seven signs:
1. Age and Type of Roof
How old is your roof system? Determine the age of your shingle roof and find out if there is one shingle layer or more. In some cases, an old roof is removed, and one layer of new shingles is put down. In other cases, new roof singles are installed over another existing layer or layers. Asphalt shingle/composition roofs typically last 20 years, according a National Association of Homebuilders survey.
2. Old and Worn Shingles
Curling, blistering, buckling, cracked, or crumbling shingles are signs of deterioration and signal the end of the shingles’ life expectancy. Dark streaks can signal airborne algae. Moss, algae, condensation, and sun exposure can also contribute to the breakdown of the roofing system.
3. Missing or Torn Shingles
High winds, snow, and ice storms can cause shingles to blow away and leave your roof vulnerable to water damage and rot.
4. Compromised Roof Valleys
A roof valley is the angle formed at the intersection of two sloping roof surfaces. This is where snow and rain flow through and move into gutters. If the valley is compromised, the roof could be susceptible to leaks.
5. Damaged or Leaking Flashing
Many roof leaks are actually flashing leaks. Without tight flashings around chimneys, vents, pipes, skylights, and wall and roof junctions, water can seep in a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation and electrical systems.
6. Disintegrating or “Bald” Shingles
A sure sign that your shingles are breaking down is granules in the gutter system. The granules give shingles added weight and protect them from ultraviolet rays.
7. Thin or Spongey Shingles
When walking on the roof, it may feel spongey or bouncy. In addition, when you are in the attic light might shine through the shingles.
Other signs of roof leaks include damage to the inside of your home, such as spots on the ceiling, drips, and mold. Be sure to be proactive and inspect your roof biannually to avoid these problems.