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Charleston RoofingMay 9, 2022 11:14:01 AM3 min read

How to spot a roof leak before it does serious damage and what causes them

Leaky roofs can be sneaky and destructive, it's almost like a leak appears from nowhere sometimes. They can cause serious damage to your home, and they can be expensive to fix. But how do you find a roof leak? With a little bit of know-how, you can spot a roof leak before it does serious damage. Here's what you need to know.

ceiling damage from leaking roof

Check your ceiling

The first way to tell if you have a roof leak is to look for any water stains on your ceilings. If you see any dark spots, that's a good indicator that water is leaking through your roof.

roof inspectionInspect your roof for signs of leaks

If you don't see any water stains, the next best way to find a roof leak is to inspect your roof for any signs of leaks. Look for any cracks in your shingles or missing pieces of roofing material. If you see any damage, it's likely that water is getting through.

checking attic for roof leaks

Time to check the attic

Go into the attic and look for any wet spots on the insulation or boards. If you see any water, that's a sure sign of a roof leak.

example of gutter damage

Check your gutters

If you don't see any leaks in the attic, it's time to check your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and leak into your roof.

chimney flashing

Check your chimneys and vents

Another common cause of roof leaks is chimneys and roof vents. Make sure the flashing around these areas is in good condition, and that there are no cracks or holes.

Still struggling to find the leak in your roof

If you're still struggling to find the leak, check around skylights, roof valleys, and anywhere else where two pieces of the roof come together. These are all common places for leaks to occur.

 

What commonly causes a leaky roof?

There are a few things that can cause a roof leak:

Clogged guttersClogged gutters

One of the most common causes of roof leaks is clogged gutters. When gutters are full of leaves and debris, they can't do their job properly. This causes water to back up and seep under your shingles, leading to a roof leak. To prevent this, make sure you clean your gutters regularly.

cracked or missing shinglesCracked or missing shingles

Another common cause of roof leaks is cracked or missing shingles. over time, shingles can become brittle and crack. This exposes the underlying layer of your roof to water, which can lead to a leak. Inspect your shingles regularly for any signs of damage, and replace any that are damaged.

bad flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys

Faulty flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys.

The flashing is the waterproof sealant that goes around vents, skylights, and chimneys. If this sealant is cracked or damaged, it can allow water to seep in and cause a roof leak. Inspect the old flashing around these areas regularly.

example of ice dams

Ice dams

An Ice dam is are another common cause of roof leaks. They occur when the snow on your roof melts and then refreezes at the edge of your roof. This creates a dam that prevents water from draining properly, which can lead to leaks. To prevent this, make sure you remove any snow and ice from your roof regularly.

holes or cracks in roof

Holes or cracks in the roof itself.

Holes or cracks in your roof can also cause leaks. These can be caused by severe weather, animals, or simply having an old roof.

improperly installed roofing than needs roof repairsImproperly Installed Roofing

If your roof was not installed properly, it can lead to leaks. Make sure you hire a reputable roofing contractor to install or repair your roof.

How do I repair my roof leaks?

If you have a leaking roof, the first thing you need to do is determine the extent of the damaged area. If it's a small leak and only affects one area, you may be able to repair it yourself. However, if the damage is extensive, it's best to call a professional roofing contractor. Roofing repairs can be complicated and dangerous, so it's best to leave them to the experts.

At Charleston Roofing and Exteriors, our team of professionals has years of experience doing roof repairs on leaks of all sizes. We'll work quickly and efficiently to get your roof back in tip-top shape. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Roof leaks don't have to be a headache - let us help you take care of them!

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