Warning Signs of a Roof Leak: Don’t Put It Off
A faint water stain on the ceiling has caught your eye? Or perhaps you put down to a slow drip in the attic when it is raining. You may have an inkling that something is amiss up top but are at a loss as to what for.
Since 2011 Specialist Roofing has put such questions to rest for homeowners in Southern California. As a local, family run operation we are fully licensed and insured; give us a ring at (747) 307-5518 whenever you like. A roof leak will not make much of a fuss about itself. They are small and unobtrusive at first and before you know it there is water in the living room and the damage done behind the walls is far more extensive than one would imagine.
Then again, most roofs are apt to put up some warning signs if you are looking for them. Spotting a leak in its early stages can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a sizeable repair bill later on.
What to Look for in the House
You do not have to be on a ladder to find the first evidence of a leak. Make a tour of the house and see if any of the following present themselves:
- Stains of a yellow, brown or copper hue on the walls or ceiling
- Paint that is bubbling or peeling, at the top of a wall for instance
- Some rooms with a damp, musty odor
- A softness to the ceiling in places where it sags
- In the attic, dark streaks on the underside of the deck or insulation that has gone discolored
These are all indications of water making its way past your roof. The sooner you are on to it, the better off you will be as you avoid the prospect of mold or drywall and framing that is rotted beyond repair.
Exterior Indicators
From the ground or wherever is safe, your roof will tell you what is going on. On the outside check for:
- Shingles that are missing, have a crack or are curling
- Where the granules have been worn from the asphalt, leaving a bald spot
- Tile work that has cracked or slipped
- Any rust or other damage to the flashing at the skylights, vents and chimneys
- Granules from shingles in the gutters
- A sagging roofline
Flashing is a frequent source of trouble since it is what keeps the elements out where the roof abuts another surface; once it gives way the water is in quick order. From the ground it is easy to miss these things.
The Trouble with Small Leaks
Do not expect a roof leak to be patient. With each storm more water is driven into the home and it does not stay put. A modest stain is how it begins, but soon you have rafters rotting and mold in the air. We see it in Southern California where a long spell of dry weather has a way of convincing the homeowner all is well with the roof. Then comes the rain, hard and in a hurry, and any weakness is exposed. What was a non issue last winter can be an emergency in short order.
Make a Call to a Pro
Once you have seen any of the above, you would do well to have someone with the training to put your mind at ease ahead of the next storm. An inspection by a pro will turn up hidden problems not apparent from inside. We will provide an honest estimate and a free inspection so there is no guesswork as to the state of your roof.
Our business is roofing and gutters at Specialist Roofing, nothing more. We are BBB accredited with an A+ and hold the requisite manufacturer certifications from GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed and Polyglass. Our license number is 1007386 and we stand behind our work with a 100 percent guarantee.
We are at the service of businesses and homeowners from Ventura and LA counties over to Orange County and Long Beach, as well as San Diego and the Inland Empire. And we are on hand 24/7 since a leak does not observe business hours.
There is no need to let a stain develop into a ceiling on the floor. Should the warning signs here ring true, contact Specialist Roofing at (747) 307-5518 for your free inspection. It is less of a cost and a good deal easier to get on a leak early than to fix the mess after it has had its way.