Your roof is the first and last line of defense on your home. It protects you from the elements, and it’s also what keeps your house standing long-term. While most roofs are built to last a long time, even the best roofs may start developing cracks or gaps in their protective coating over time.

Leaks are one of the most common problems faced by homeowners year after year. While these holes and cracks might seem minor at first, they can lead to costly water damage if left unattended for too long. When leaks begin to take their toll on your roof, there are signs to look out for that can help you determine what’s wrong—and exactly how serious the problem is. Here’s a quick guide to identifying leaks, along with some tips on how to deal with them.

Signs of a Leaky Roof

If your home is plagued by leaks, it can cause damage to walls, ceilings, and furniture. Not only is fixing the leak costly, but it might also damage these areas further before you have a chance to fix them. Here are some signs of a leaky roof so you can stop any leaks before they become more serious problems:

  • Cracked or missing shingles
  • Blisters on the exterior of the house
  • Water stains on interior walls near the ceiling
  • Sagging ceilings, or walls that appear to be bulging or pulling away from the foundation
  • Dampness in the attic that smells like mildew
  • Shedding, buckling, or curling shingles
  • Puddling in corners and under windows
  • Mold or mildew growth on the ceiling or walls
  • Rotting wood frames around skylights and ventilators
  • Your electric bill is higher than usual

What Causes Roof Leaks 

Leaky roofs are one of the most common problems that homeowners face. They can also be quite frustrating because there are so many different causes, and each one requires a different solution. As you look for leaks, it helps to understand what causes them in the first place so that you can fix the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.

Common causes for leaky roofs include:

  • Tree branches that fell on the roof or roots growing into the roofing material or underlayment
  • Leaking chimneys or skylights
  • Damaged flashing around chimneys, vent pipes and other protruding objects
  • Improper installation of shingles, including missing nails/tabs and improper nailing pattern (i.e., nail rows not overlapping)
  • Storm damage (heavy wind & hail)
  • Poorly constructed gutters and downspouts that allow water to flow over the roof instead of draining away from it
  • Roofs that are not properly maintained and repaired
  • Inadequate ventilation of the attic space

What To Do If You Have a Leaky Roof

It’s no secret that leaks can be a big headache. They can cause damage to your belongings and make your home unlivable. To make matters worse, these leaks usually occur at night or on rainy days when it’s hard to see what’s going on. If you don’t catch the leak early, it can become worse and cause much more damage than if it had been taken care of right away.

For more information, contact Camden Roofing & Construction, LLC in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC at 919-729-5050.