11 Signs of a Roof Leak or Other Water Intrusion Issues

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO® of Northeast Fort Worth urges homeowners to look for key indicators of a roof leak and to clean up and restore areas damaged by water intrusion quickly.

The team at SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth provides water removal, cleanup, and restoration for homes and businesses that have suffered fire damage, smoke damage, or water damage. A common cause of water damage in the house is a roof leak. Roof leaks may be hard to spot because the leak is minimal, temporary, covered up, or resolved by cleaning the gutters or replacing shingles without ever noticing the roof was leaking water into the attic. The first step in solving a roof leak is to identify the source of the leak. Knowing what to look for can help North Richland Hills, TX, homeowners or property managers spot a roof leak in its infancy while damage is minimal. Listed below are eleven signs indicating a roof may be leaking.

1. Visible roof damage

High winds, heavy rainfall, extended periods of rain, and hail put a roof to the test. After any of these weather events, the homeowner should conduct a ground-level visual inspection of the roof. Cracked, curled, or missing shingles should raise concerns that the roof may compromise its ability to keep out water and moisture. Exposed underlayment and decking need immediate attention. Schedule a roofing contractor to assess the damage and provide an estimate of repairs. Emergency tarping must be installed until the damaged area can be repaired. Emergency tarping is usually an effective way to prevent leaks until the damage is fixed, but the homeowner still needs to keep an eye on the condition of the tarping. Strong winds can dislodge the tarping, allowing water to leak into the attic.

2. Water intrusion and excess moisture in the attic

Puddles of water on the floor decking in the attic, water stains on support timbers, and moisture on items stored in the attic are strong indicators of a roof leak. Do boxes feel moist? Is there a musty smell in the attic? Can the sound of dripping water be heard in the attic when it is not raining, and there is no dew on the roof? An affirmative answer to any of these questions may indicate a roof leak.

3. Sagging ceiling

If a sagging ceiling feels wet to the touch, the culprit may be a roof leak. If possible, inspect the attic area above the sagging ceiling for signs of a roof leak. The attic decking may be wet or moist if there is a leak.

4. Water leaks around light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents

Water from a roof leak will exit the ceiling through holes cut for light fixtures, ceiling fans, and exhaust vents. Stains around the bathroom exhaust fan are a sure sign of a water intrusion through the roof vent for the fan.

5. Brown, green, or black stains on the ceiling and the walls

Water will leave its mark inside the home. These stains send a message that the roof may be leaking. If the stains are wet, the leak may be active and need attention. Delays in dealing with the leak affect the insurance company’s willingness to pay to have the damage repaired.

6. Warped or swollen crown molding

Crown molding and baseboards enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room. Extended exposure to moisture and water from a roof leak will cause crown molding to swell or warp.

7. Peeling paint and wallpaper

Paint will eventually bubble and peel when sheet rock and drywall become wet or moist. The wallpaper will bubble and separate from the wall to which it is glued.

8. Unexplained water or moist spots on the floor, carpeting, or area rugs

Unexplained moisture inside the home is a key indicator of a roof leak. Look for water on furniture such as tables, sofas, and chairs. Look for signs of a leak directly above the water spot. Gently touch the ceiling to check for moisture.

9. Animals in the attic

The presence of rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, skunks, and snakes living in the attic could be due to a roof leak. A constant water source attracts occasional visitors and permanent residents, and the abundance of water makes the attic attractive to animals.

10. An insect explosion in the home

A noticeable increase in roaches, water bugs, gnats, silverfish, bees, and ants can be explained by a roof leak. The insects love moisture, especially in a hot Texas attic.

11. Damaged chimney flashing

If a visual inspection of the chimney reveals damaged or missing flashing, the roof might be leaking. A chimney is a common source of roof leaks. Damaged flashing and aging, degraded caulk can allow water to leak into the attic. A shift in the home’s foundation can cause the chimney to separate from the roof. The result can be a roof leak. Repairs may not resolve the issue. A chimney can act like a wick that deposits water into the attic. The problem can be solved by coating the exposed brick and mortar with a special waterproofing sealant.

Water damage from a single roof leak can cause extensive damage inside the home. If water damage is discovered, trust SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth for cleanup and restoration. Crews can be on the scene in about an hour, and the rapid response gets life back to normal as soon as possible.

Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth to learn more about Fort Worth, TX, water removal services. The team can be reached by phone at (817) 741-5737 or by email at office@SERVPROnortheastftworth.com.