Water damage is an issue that silently spreads and then suddenly appears. If you’re the type of person who conducts yearly roof inspections then you can spot the signs a long time before the leak wreaks havoc on your Oldsmar roof. Below are the usual factors that facilitate a roof leak in Oldsmar.
1. Damaged shingles
If you notice curled, buckled or cracked shingles, you can be sure that roof leak has set in. To spot the origin of this leak is not very easy. Usually, it starts somewhere and proceeds downwards and appears in another place. Seeking the services of a professional roofing contractor is the best line of action.
2. Discolored ceiling
Water damage is usually detected as stains and discolored patches on your ceiling. This is caused by water drops falling on the ceiling and fungus growth setting in over time. You have to examine your attic immediately to see the origin of the drip. Discovering the source of the roof leak should be located and corrected without much delay.
3. Stained external or internal wall
Sometimes the external wall will be infested with fungal growth. Lack of proper exposure to sunlight can be one reason and another is a roof leak. The water may trail down the external or internal wall. Dirty water track along the internal wall is a sure sign of water damage.
4. Gutter and downspout
Issues of the gutters and the downspouts must be cleaned at regular intervals, especially during the rainy season. They can be clogged by debris. The water drainage system thus affected is a potential generator of water damage. The overflowing gutters will cause water seepage through the fascia and soffit. This usually produces water tails along the exterior and interior walls.
5. Damaged flashing
The flashing at the various places on the roof can be damaged because of two reasons. The old-age ware and tear and strenuous climatic conditions can affect the integrity of the flashing. As a result, the metal sheets can be corroded, skewed or displaced. The sealants can be cracked. Consequently, small fissures are formed. Water enters through these to produce roof leaks.
6. Hail damage
Hail storms are detrimental to the shingle-health. They are heavy and pounds on the shingles usually loosening the granules. These granules will be washed away by the subsequent rain. This phenomenon can be spotted as bald patches on the shingles. If you notice it, you can be sure that water has entered through the damaged shingles.
7. Bio-growth in the attic
If you get the characteristic musty smell in your attic, you would better inspect the attic thoroughly. More often than not, you will find mold, mildew or fungal growth, which is caused by the presence of moisture. Water is entering your attic at some point. Finding it out is of utmost importance.
8. Sagging roof
As said before, the water damage sometimes remains concealed and affects the internal structure of the roof. If such a situation prevails for long, the roof may sag slightly. If sagging is noticed the repair should be done on an emergency basis. It is better to seek professional help.
9. Sunlight through the roof
If sunlight shines into the attic through the roof, it is a sure sign that some internal parts of the roof have decayed. The reason for this can be a prolonged roof leak. In many cases, this proves to be very serious and end up in roof replacement.
10. Increased energy bill
An escalation in the energy bill shows that all is not well with your roof health. This can be due to many reasons and water damage is one of them. So it is sensible to conduct a detailed professional examination to eliminate the possibility or to examine the possibility.