Inspect your Roof for Signs of a Leak

Your roof is your home’s most valuable asset. You trust it to keep you, your family and your possessions safe from the outside elements. It’s more than likely that you don’t often think about your roof at all, as long as it is doing its job there is no need to worry. However, roofs are not invincible, whether tiled or metal roofs, they are regularly exposed to extreme weather conditions and over time they will need maintenance to keep them in excellent condition. If you think your rook might have a leak then it makes sense to inspect your roof for signs of wear and tear at least once a year. If you are unsure about the signs of a roof leak to look for always employ a professional roofer to safely assess and inspect the roof for you.

How to Know if your Roof has a Leak?

There are certain signs to look out for that will indicate if your roof is in need of some maintenance. We do not recommend home owners climb onto their roof to check it themselves as this can be very dangerous and should always be left to professionals who have the correct equipment, safety training as well as a wealth of roofing experience and knowledge. Different roof types will have different signs but here is a general list of signs to look out for.

1. Ceiling Stains

Start inside the home and look for dark- coloured stains on the ceiling. If you see stains on the ceiling or running down the walls then it highly probably that you have a roof leak. It is important not to simply paint over the stain but be proactive in finding the source of the leak and getting it promptly fixed by a professional roofer. Ensuring that a roof leak is repaired quickly will prevent further damage and issues from occurring such as rotting framing, mould growth and ceiling damage.

2. Cracked Tiles

Next step outside and look up for obvious visual signs of problems on your roof. If you can see cracked, broken or missing roof tiles there is no doubt that water will seep into the gaps and it is imperative to get these replaced as quickly as possible to prevent damage.

3. Cracks and Gaps in Roof Pointing

From ground level look for cracks and gaps in the pointing on the ridge capping. If you see a gap or crack then water would be able to penetrate through and it is time to call in the professionals to get it repaired and re-pointed quickly. Check out our blog post on re-pointing to find out more. These can all cause issues with your floors and walls over time.

4. Loose Flashing

Check roof flashing for signs of rust. This will most likely need to be carried out by a qualified roofer as it may be difficult to assess from ground level. Flashing is a thin metal material that is installed to direct water away from certain areas (walls, chimneys, roof valleys) of your roof. Flashing is necessary to prevent leaks. If the flashing rusts through or becomes comes loose, it will not be able to divert water away from the wall and into the gutter.

5. Mould on Exterior Walls

Take a walk around the outside of your home. If you see mould growing on the exterior wall you likely have a problem with faulty gutters. Gutters that are cracked or broken will allow water to drain down the siding which ‘along with the roof, it forms the first line of defence against the elements’. If you notice mould on the exterior wall it is likely you also a roof leak and it is definitely time to request an expert’s opinion.

Contact Roof Leak Services Today

These are a few ways to gauge whether your roof has a leak but the best way to find out is to get a qualified roofer to perform a roof inspection. Call our helpful team today to organise your free quote to repair your leaking roof.

Five Signs that Your Roof Has a Leak