How to Find a Roof Leak
With constant exposure to damaging elements like direct sunlight, moisture, storms and other natural elements, over time, homeowners may find signs of inconvenient, unattractive and costly roof leaks. This can be frustrating, because signs of roof damage and leaks aren’t always obvious, and avoiding roof repairs can lead to structural and water damages as well as unwanted mold growth. If you suspect your roof may be leaking from a recent storm or other event, you can quickly and easily examine your home and roof to find the source of the leak and prevent extensive and expensive damages.
Signs Your Roof Is Leaking
Even though your home’s roof is not always accessible, you can easily search for signs of roof leaks from inside and around your home. Easily spot leaks by looking for the following:
Water spots on walls or ceilings
Missing shingles
Damaged shingles
Missing or damaged flashing
Light peeking through the roof
If you notice any of the following issues throughout your home, contact a professional roofing company to take a closer look at your roof and find the cause of your leaks. From there, they can work closely with you to find effective and budget-friendly solutions to repair the roof and prevent future instances, or provide roofing replacement options if the damage is extensive.
Does Your Roof Need to Be Replaced?
Many homeowners with a leaky roof wonder if the best solution is to make minor repairs or consider replacing the roof altogether to avoid future headaches. When deciding which option works best for you, consider the following common causes for roof replacement:
Exceeded Usable Lifespan: Your home’s roof was designed and constructed to reliably protect your roof for many years, but eventually, the quality of the materials will deteriorate and you’ll have to invest in a new, quality roof. Asphalt roofs typically last up to 20 years and wood shingles anywhere from 30 to 80 years, while slate, clay and metal roofing materials can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance.
Extensive Damage: If your home has recently been struck by a falling tree, been exposed to a recent, harsh natural disaster or the roof has multiple leaks, then it’s likely the damages are too extensive to repair. Typically, roof leak repairs can only cover 30 percent or less of the total roof area. If there's any more than that, it’s best to just replace the roof.
Repairs Are Only Temporary: While repairs may seem less time consuming and expensive upfront, if your roof is damaged or aging, then these minor repairs can become a frequent and timely occurrence. If you’re making frequent repairs to your roof to attempt extending its lifespan, you’ll end up spending more time and money on labor and materials than if you had replaced the roof initially.
Roof Is No Longer up to Code: If your roof is no longer adhering to local building codes, then you may have added peace of mind by updating your roof to ensure long-lasting protection.
Aesthetic Updates: Over time, your needs and personal style may change and you want to update your home’s roof to stand out. There are several attractive and durable roofing materials available today to choose from, including slate, clay tile, metal, ornamental and copper roofing, and wood shingles.
What a Leaking Roof Can Lead To
If your home has leaks, it’s important to address these instances right away to avoid extensive damages and costly, time-consuming repairs or replacements. Leaking roofs are not only damaging to the roof, but they can also cause structural damage to your attic and framing throughout walls, as well as damage insulation, leading to lessened effectiveness. Mold growth and moisture within the structure of your home can lead to electrical damages and even fires.
Contact Huber & Associates for Historic Roof Preservation
To help locate potential leaks and make quality repairs, or to replace a custom roof, call the professionals at Huber & Associates. Our team has over 40 years of experience restoring and repairing historic roof leaks throughout the Southeast U.S. Whenever we find damage to your home or property’s roof, we’ll work with you to find durable, lasting and attractive roofing repair or replacement solutions that best suit your needs and budget. Contact us today to request a roof repair quote or call 386-487-1040 to learn more.