24/7: 888-601-3473
Contents
Water Damage From A Leaking Roof: Signs & Solutions
Is water damage from leaking roof components impacting your property?
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell. In some cases, it’s obvious if water is seeping in through a roof leak; sagging ceilings aren’t exactly subtle! But in certain scenarios, roof leaks can be hidden in plain sight, quietly causing major damage to the interior structures of your home or business.
Leaks are sneaky, which is why it’s important to understand exactly how to identify them before they ruin your ceilings, walls, floors, and electrical systems. This article will tell you everything you need to know about water damage from roof leaks, including how to spot a leak and what to do if water damage occurs.
Signs Your Roof Is Leaking
Not sure if you have a leak? Here are some telltale signs to look out for. If you notice any of these signs, call professional restoration contractors like Cavalry right away.
- Water stains on ceilings or walls: One of the most obvious signs of a leaking roof is the presence of water stains on your ceilings or walls. These stains may appear as discolored patches, often with a brownish hue. Pay close attention to areas near the roofline or directly beneath the attic. Water stains indicate that water is infiltrating your home and should be addressed promptly.
- Damp or musty odors throughout the house: If you notice a persistent damp or musty odor in your home, it could be a sign of a hidden roof leak. As water seeps into your walls or insulation, it creates a moist environment that promotes the growth of mold and mildew. These microbial organisms emit a distinct odor that can be easily detected. If you encounter strange odors, investigate for potential roof leaks. Mold growth is a health hazard and should be addressed immediately.
- Peeling paint or wallpaper: When water infiltrates the walls through a roof leak, paint or wallpaper may peel or bubble. Moisture weakens the adhesive properties of paint and wallpaper, leading to their detachment from the surface.
- Sagging or discolored roof decking: When water seeps through the roof and reaches the underlying decking, it can cause the wood to become discolored or sag. If you have access to your attic, inspect the roof decking for any signs of water damage. Look for areas that appear darker or feel damp to the touch. Sagging or warped decking suggests long-term water exposure and requires immediate attention.
- Rising energy bills: An unexplained spike in your energy bills could be an indirect sign of a leaking roof. When water infiltrates your home, it compromises the insulation, making it less effective in regulating temperature. As a result, your heating or cooling systems may have to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption. If you notice a sudden increase in your energy bills without any other plausible explanation, it’s worth investigating for a potential roof leak.
Identifying The Source Of The Leak
You’ve noticed a telltale sign of a leak in your home or business — but how do you get to the source of the issue?
Start by visually inspecting your roof for any obvious signs of damage. Grab a ladder and carefully examine the roof surface, paying close attention to areas such as flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights, as well as damaged or missing shingles. Look for cracks, gaps, or any signs of wear and tear that could potentially lead to leaks.
Certain areas of a roof are more prone to leaks than others. Flashing, which is the metal or rubber material installed around joints and roof penetrations, is a common culprit. If flashing deteriorates or becomes loose over time, it can easily create entry points for water. Damaged or missing shingles are another common source of leaks. Look for cracked, curled, or dislodged shingles that may allow water to seep through. Skylights, if not properly sealed or maintained, can also lead to leaks.
While you may be able to address simple roof leaks on your own, complex or hard-to-identify leaks often require professional expertise. If you encounter a persistent or recurring leak, or if the source of the leak remains elusive despite your best efforts, seek the assistance of professional, certified roofing contractors. Experienced roofers on the Cavalry construction team have the knowledge, tools, and expertise to diagnose and repair complex leaks effectively. We can provide a thorough inspection, identify the source of the leak, and recommend the solutions that best fit your specific scenario. Plus, we’ll help you deal with the water damage you may have incurred through the duration of the leak.
Water Damage From A Leaking Roof: What To Expect From Repairs & Restoration
Cavalry has helped customers throughout Texas repair leaking roofs and mitigate water damage since 1989. We make it our mission to help people restore their lives, homes, and businesses in the wake of water damage. Here’s how we do it:
- We begin with a thorough inspection of your roof to identify the source of the leak. Once this has been accomplished, we move forward with repairs.
- We repair and/or replace the damaged roofing materials. If the leak is due to missing or broken shingles, we’ll remove the damaged ones and install new shingles in their place. We also address any issues with flashing, such as resealing or replacing it if necessary. Other damaged components, such as skylights or vents, may also be repaired or replaced as needed.
- Our water damage mitigation experts carefully inspect the property and dry it using a highly technical and scientific structural drying process. Our certified water technicians are on call 24/7 to begin the water removal and structural drying process within hours of an emergency, no matter what the case.
Cavalry proudly serves communities all over Texas, including the Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston areas. We specialize in the insurance mitigation and restoration of multi-family, commercial and residential, industrial, and religious facility losses due to fire, water, hail, tornado, hurricane, vehicle, or any other peril causing property damage.
Get in touch if you have questions about leaky roofs, water damage restoration, or other reconstruction services. You can reach us 24/7 at 888-601-3473.
About Cavalry Construction
Cavalry has served home and business owners across Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas/Ft. Worth since 1989. Our clients count on us to help restore their homes and businesses after experiencing roof damage from a hailstorm, and our experienced roofing contractors and restoration teams are always ready to help in times of need.
If you have questions about hail damage restoration or other reconstruction services, get in touch. You can reach us anytime at 888-601-3473.
