Roof Masters of Colorado recognizes that some roof leaks can go for months or years without being noticed because the leaks are minimal and evaporate before being spotted by the homeowner or a roofing contractor conducting a roof inspection. In other cases, the leak may be intermittent and only occur during extreme weather conditions involving high winds and heavy rain. When a roofing company offers to do an inspection and finds little or no evidence of a leak, the reason may be that the weather was not severe enough to trigger a leak on that occasion. The conditions for a leak are present but only during extreme weather conditions. A roof leak may be persistent but hidden, in which case, the homeowner or roofer must be familiar with the wide variety of signs of a roof leak. Listed below are some of the more common signs of roof leaks.
Common Signs of Roof Leaks
Visible shingle damage
A vital indicator of a potential leak is visible roof damage, such as curling, cracking, or missing shingles. Noticeable wear to shingles should alert the homeowner to schedule an inspection by a roofing professional.
Climbing onto the roof without the proper safety equipment and training can be dangerous. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News reports that 500,000 people fall from ladders annually, and ninety-seven percent of these injuries occur at home or on farms.
Discoloration
Green spots on the roof indicate the growth of moss or mold. Fungi and moss growth on the top suggests a moisture issue, especially under shaded places. Large areas of discoloration need attention. Inspection, diagnosis, and removal are best left to a qualified professional with the appropriate cleaning and safety gear.
Light in the attic
Unexplained beams of light in the attic highlight the need for immediate action on the homeowner's part. If light can find its way into the attic through the roof, so can water. Shingles could be damaged, and plywood sheathing could be compromised or rotting.
Sagging spots
Visible sagging or drooping in sections of the roof may result from wood rot from the buildup of trapped moisture in the attic. Problems may first appear at the lower end of the top near the gutters. Take swift action to address the issue.
Granules in gutters
The accumulation of sediments in the gutters may signal that the shingles are at the end of their life span and that the roof has sustained hail damage. Gutter sediments restrict water flow and add extra weight to the gutters. In any case, keep an eye on granule shedding when cleaning gutters.
Wall and ceiling stains inside the home
A telltale sign of a roof leak is staining on the walls and ceiling. These green, brown, or black stains are unsightly and unhealthy. They are also a top sign of a leaky roof or a water intrusion from a broken pipe or cracked drain. Warped sheetrock and blistering or peeling paint may also signal water and moisture issues. Look for swelling in crown molding where the ceiling and walls meet. Swollen and warped baseboards signal that water may be winding its way from the attic through the walls and to the floor. Pools of water on the floor or wet spots in the carpeting or on furniture may occur before the appearance of stains.
The water intrusion demands swift action to prevent further structural damage. A proper diagnosis of the source of the water intrusion may require an inspection from a trusted roofing contractor and a plumber.
Soaring energy bills
A rise in energy consumption to heat or cool a home may indicate air is escaping through a breach in the roof. The resulting inconsistency in the interior temperatures of the structure will strain the HVAC system. Power bills will reflect the added pressure on the system to heat or cool the home or business adequately.
Animals in the attic
The attic can be home to rats, mice, squirrels, birds, skunks, and snakes. Animals living in the attic introduce disease into the home environment, disturb insulation and gnaw the wiring, wood, and water pipes. The discovery of wildlife in the attic should prompt two calls: one to a local Boulder roofer and a second to a pest control company. The pest problem needs to be resolved before the more severe roof, and attic damage occurs.
Resolving the roof issue before it becomes a significant problem
The homeowner or property manager can limit or avoid costly repairs by taking quick action at the first signs of a roof leak. Delays allow the damage to grow in scope and negatively impact insurance claim payouts.
Why choose a local Boulder roofer
When seeking a shingle roofer, metal roofer, coatings roofer, or other residential or commercial roofers, contact Roof Masters of Colorado. With over 28 years of experience, this woman-owned, family-operated roofing company is located in Boulder, CO, and serves the greater Denver Metro area. As a GAF Certified Contractor and a proud member of the BBB with an A+ rating, the roofing professionals at Roof Masters of Colorado are committed to providing Boulder homeowners with the best possible roofing experience. Owner and operator Monica Hoffman emphasizes these priorities: "Honesty and integrity always come first! We listen to our customers and pay attention to details."
For more details about roof repair in Boulder, CO, email Roof Masters of Colorado at rmcboulder@gmail.com or call (720) 536-5585.
