No one ever wants to hear the news that their roof is water damaged. Whether your home is new or you've lived there for many years, every homeowner feels dread rolling in as soon as water damage or rot is mentioned.
Maybe you've just looked up in your spare room to see a strange spot but aren't sure what it is. While it could be several things, when water finds its way through your roofing system, you're likely in for some trouble if ignored. But let's not get ahead of ourselves- what exactly are the signs of water damage to your roof?
At RoofCrafters, we've repaired and replaced water-damaged roofing systems since 1993. We've torn through, restored, and replaced rotten roofs almost as many times as we've blinked. That's definitely an over-exaggeration, but you get the point! If it's happened to a roof, we've seen it. We know just what clues to find that lead to your water damage, and we're here to let you in on them.
This article goes all in on what to look for if you suspect water damage is present on your roof. By the time you finish reading, you'll (almost) be a pro on how to find the sneaky sources of water damage and rot and what you should do to take action. If you're ready, we're excited to begin.
What is Water Damage?
This is one of the most common roof damages and can hurt so much more than just your roofing system. If your roof springs a leak, even if it's small, it will spread over time. Just like a sponge absorbs water, wood and other materials allow it to seep through if the problem isn't taken care of.
Water damage causes much more than just soaked materials, though. Like moths to flames, water attracts mold and mildew. If you have this deadly combination ravaging your home, you'll have much bigger problems to solve over time. If you notice or suspect a leak, have it looked at by a professional roofer and fixed as soon as possible. Leaks cause a chain reaction that quite literally trickles down from your roof to other parts of your home. You don't want rot happening anywhere near your living space. If you consider your living areas a sacred place, don't let leaks overrun your home!
How to Spot Water Damage on Your Roof
There are several ways to spot water damage that occurs from a leak. Some of the tell-tale signs of a water-damaged roof are:
Water Spots
Water spots are one of the easiest ways to spot a leak, but they don't mean finding the source of the leak is easy. Slow leaks are more difficult to find than bigger ones because slower leaks branch out and seep through other areas. This makes it challenging to find where exactly the leak is coming from, but an expert roofer will help you with that. If you see water spots, scheduling an inspection immediately is a great idea. Don't wait weeks or months, or you'll likely have a much bigger problem later that costs more and does significantly more damage to your home.
Missing Shingles
While missing shingles don't always indicate a more profound issue if left unrepaired, a lot can happen to the roofing system beneath where the shingles lay. If your roof is losing a lot of shingles, you should call your local professional roofer for an inspection. Even just a few missing shingles can lead to more severe issues. When the rain comes, if a shingle is missing or laid incorrectly, water can seep through and cause severe damage.
Cracking Shingles
There are other ways to indicate a water issue than missing shingles. As shingles age, they become brittle from exposure to constant UV rays. UV radiation slowly hurts the shingles from the inside, eventually causing blistering and cracking. Just like a human is more susceptible to illness when their immune system is weak, aging shingles can't do their job properly when they're damaged. Cracks and blistering can cause irreversible damage to your roof if you don't get them repaired/replaced. Water can find its way through anything and will eventually seep through those cracks.
Soft Decking
Soft, smelly wood is one of the tell-tale signs of water damage. What could be more telling than wood that's soaking up water like a sponge? This issue likely means you have long-standing water damage, which causes the decking to rot. Over time, your roof will decline in health, having to carry on with rotten wood. It's a lot like walking around with wet shoes on. Not so much fun! Never walk over spongy decking- you could sustain serious injuries. Leave that to the professionals.
Exterior Water Spots
Water spots on the outside of the home indicate an issue in the section where your roof meets a wall. Step flashing becomes loose or rusts over the years, which causes rainwater to take over.
How to Fix Water Damage on Your Roof
While this may make us sound like a broken record, making sure you get in touch with a trusted roofer is essential when dealing with water damage. Sure, you could try to take care of the issue yourself, but if you have little to no experience, is it worth taking the chance?
Finding a roofing expert that has your best interest in mind may seem like an undertaking, but we know you want the best for you and your home! Do your research and find someone you're one hundred percent confident in.
Is My Roof Water Damaged?
We reckon you landed here because you're suspicious that you have water damage going on, so it's, unfortunately, a possibility. The good news is there are dedicated experts that are here for you and are ready to take on your roofing project. We know that tending to your roof's needs is probably the last thing on your mind most days, but it's essential to contact a roofer for an inspection if you suspect water damage is taking place on your roof. The roofing system is arguably the most critical part of the home, so ensuring its health will ensure YOUR health.
At RoofCrafters, we want you to know that the roof of your dreams is only a call away. If you need to do a bit more research before you make any commitments, however, browse through our learning center! No matter if your roofing concern is big or small, we have you covered from the beginning to the very end of the process. If you're ready to get in touch with one of our friendly representatives, head over to our contact page.
