Has Your Roof Sprung A Leak? 4 Ways To Tell Whether You Need A Patch

Do you think you might have a leak in your roof? If you've been experiencing suspicious moisture or humidity, it's possible. Here are a few ways that you can tell whether a roof leak could be your problem before calling in the professionals.

1. Are You Experiencing Moisture When It Rains?

When it rains, do you experience a sharp jump of humidity in your home? Do you feel as though your wallpaper or paint is "sticky" or moist? Does it look darker in some areas? A roof leak may not be dramatic, but instead lead to a general increase if moisture after a rain. This is especially true if you're experiencing rain during warmer times of the year, when the moisture is more likely to evaporate.

2. Is Mold Growing In Your Home?

It can be hard to diagnose a roof leak because it doesn't always lead to visible moisture. If the leak is small enough, it could just lead to the above mentioned increase in humidity. If mold is growing throughout your home, in corners and on ceilings, then that could be a significant sign that there's a leak somewhere in your home. If the mold is growing at your ceiling rather than at your baseboards, it's an indication that it's a roof leak rather than a plumbing issue.

3. Are You Missing Shingles?

A missing shingle is the most obvious sign of damage to your roof. After hail or a storm, you should inspect your roof for damage. If shingles are missing, then it's likely that there is a leak somewhere. You just haven't noticed it yet.

4. Is There Water in Your Attic?

Following a heavy rain, the easiest way to diagnose a roof leak is to go up to the attic and look for dripping water. It isn't likely to be obvious when it isn't actively raining, so this is one of the fastest ways to find the leak. Finding a leak from inside if your house proper usually isn't successful; when in the attic, the water can drip down columns and joists to land in a different area from the leak itself.

If your roof has multiple leaks, it may be that you need a new roof entirely. Most roofs are only rated for about twenty to thirty years, after which they're going to have to be replaced regardless. You can find out more by consulting with a roofing service such as Brian Emmons Roofing & Siding.

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