Uncovering the Culprits: What Causes a Roof Leak?
What causes a roof to leak? Homeowners may not be aware of what leads to a roof leak. However, anticipating and proactively addressing potential issues will prevent a damaging roof leak. At Stevens Roofing Corp, we work with homeowners in Richmond and Norfolk, VA, to immediately identify and resolve existing and possible problem areas.
What Causes A Roof Leak?
A roof leak often results from an unresolved problem that most likely could have been prevented. Few, if any, roof leaks originate from nowhere. Typically, a homeowner can expect interior and exterior signs of roof leaks. A knowledgeable and experienced roofing contractor will evaluate these indicators to determine the origin of any roof leaks.
Indoor Evidence Of A Roof Leak
Common signs of a roof leak include the following observations:
Ceiling Cracks
Tiny fissures in your ceiling may indicate moisture intrusion. An expert roofing professional will evaluate the reasons behind these cracks.
Drywall Bulging
When water becomes trapped behind a wall, it could create bulges. Moisture soaking into drywall might have originated from a roof leak.
Excess Condensation
Your home’s indoor spaces may feel more humid than typical, and condensation could form in vulnerable areas adjacent to your roof.
Mold & Mildew
Mold or mildew growth will often start in hidden areas and spread in a way that becomes visible on walls and ceilings.
Musty Odors
A musty scent in a home is a telltale sign of roof leaks. Don’t ignore this common evidence of a roof that allows moisture to penetrate.
Water Stains
The most frequent indication of a roof leak is yellowish or brownish discoloration on interior ceilings and walls.
Exterior Signs Of A Roof Leak
Common evidence of a roof leak comes in several ways:
Balding Shingles
All parts of shingles protect a home from outside elements, including shingle granules. This safeguard is no longer available when a shingle sheds granules, resulting in an exposure risk.
Broken Seals At Junctures
Damaged seals and seam discoloration reveal an open invitation for roof leaks. Fix or replace seals periodically to minimize or eliminate these entry points for water.
Clogged Soffits
Soffit vents are essential for drawing cool, refreshing air into excessively hot attic spaces. When they become blocked, moisture and condensation issues often result.
Dark Streaks Along Exterior Surfaces
Mold often forms on walls or siding surfaces when a roofing system has issues. Unresolved damp conditions will result in a cascade of other challenges.
Cracked Or Warped Shingles
Shingles should never curl. Unfortunately, many homeowners allow this issue to worsen until it is too late. Moisture can easily penetrate through gaps created by the curled shingles.
Loose Or Missing Shingles
In many cases, the most common sign of a roof leak is loose or missing shingles. Subsurfaces are not designed to come in direct contact with rain or other forms of moisture.
Nail Pops Or Shiners
A nail pop occurs when a nail or other fastener loosens. A shiner is a nail that missed the frame. Either of these creates a direct opportunity for moisture penetration.
Roof Vent Problems
A damaged plumbing vent boot may allow water to penetrate gaps adjacent to a pipe. Additionally, a problematic vent will typically open the door to a roof leak.
Rusted Or Damaged Flashing
Is your step flashing secure to the adjacent walls? Is your chimney flashing actively rusting? Does your flashing have dents from hailstones? Fix these issues promptly.
Uneven Roofline/Roof Sag
A distorted roofline is reflected in a wavy or sagging roof. Unfortunately, this issue will likely cause water to pool and eventually penetrate through the roof surface.
Hiring The Right Roofing Contractor
How do you know which roofing company to get involved with fixing your leaky roof? First, understand that most contractors do not regularly repair roofs. In fact, many of them don’t handle this service at all. As a homeowner, you must retain a knowledgeable and experienced professional to ensure you receive what you need. Here are valuable tips:
- Conduct online research and verify the contractor’s reputation via customer reviews.
- Confirm that the contractor has the appropriate licensing and insurance coverage.
- Obtain and check references from previous customers to understand their experiences.
- Request information from the contractor about any material or labor warranty coverage.
- Secure a written estimate of the repair work, a timeline, and an approximate cost.
- You may need multiple quotes to understand better whether an estimate is reasonable.
Virginia’s Roof Repair Specialist
Who you retain to address your roof leak will determine your experience. As a Norfolk or Richmond, VA, homeowner, you need a qualified roofing professional to resolve your roof leak and restore your peace of mind. At Stevens Roofing Corp, we proactively fix roof leaks with permanent solutions for residential and historic homes.
Contact Stevens Roofing today to learn more about our full menu of roofing services, including roof leak repair, or to schedule an appointment to evaluate your roof’s condition.
