Water intrusion can be one of the most damaging aspects of homeownership if not addressed immediately. Therefore, monitoring your home for any signs of a roof leak is important.

There are interior, exterior, and attic signs that can alert you to a potential problem. This article will break it down by area and how to look for a roof leak.

Interior Signs

• Water stains: Look for discolored patches on your ceilings or walls. Typically, they present as yellow or brownish stains. Any of these stains are a clear indication of water intrusion.
• Peeling paint: Blistering, bubbling, or peeling paint on your walls or ceiling indicates water coming in from your roof and attic.
• Mold and mildew growth: A musty odor, mold, or mildew growth are all sure signs of water intrusion.
• Sagging ceilings: If parts of your ceiling begin to sag, water damage could weaken its supporting structure.
• Musty Odor: Hidden water damage from a roof leak often emits a musty odor.

7 Exterior Signs on your Roof

• Damaged shingles: If you see cracked, curling, or missing shingles, a roof inspection is a good idea because this can indicate the potential for water to leak into your attic and home.
• Granule loss: Asphalt shingles are made up of many granules. If you see a large number of granules, especially collecting in your gutters, this indicates shingle breakdown and needs to be addressed.
• Damaged flashing: Flashing is used around chimneys, vents, and skylights to stop water; if you see signs of bent flashing, rust, gaps, or damage, action is required before you experience a major leak.
• Clogged gutters: If your gutters are full of debris and overflowing, water can back up, potentially damaging your roof and causing leaks.
• Damaged roof vent surrounds: Rubber boots are typically installed around plumbing and other vents to prevent water from entering. If you see damage or cracks, this can lead to potential water issues if left unchecked.
• Algae and mold growth: Any signs of mold or algae growth indicate excess water and should be addressed.
• Rotted roof sheathing: Roof decking or sheathing is the wooden platform that forms the underlying structure of your roof. It is installed on top of your roof’s trusses and joists, which provides a solid foundation for your roofing material. If you see rotting and visible decking, this strongly indicates a water problem.

Attic Signs

• Water stains: Dark stains on your roof trusses or attic floor.
• Mold or mildew: Growth of any mold or mildew suggests the presence of excess water.
• Wet insulation: Wet or hanging insulation is another sign of damaging moisture.
• Visible daylight: If you can see any sign of daylight creeping into your attic, this problem must be addressed.

The professionals at Southern National Roofing stress that early detection of a roof leak is the best way to avoid significant, costly damage to your home.

For your peace of mind, schedule one of our free, same-day inspections to prevent water damage.