Roof leaks are very tricky problems. They are not easy to locate but at the same time, it is important that you locate them without delay. A detailed roof inspection in Tampa is needed to track them down. The very first thing is that you should know the sure signs of roof leaks. Then you should know where to look for roof leak origins.
Sure signs of a roof leak
The first visible signs of roof leak occur on your ceiling as dark patches or discolorations. Afterward, these discolorations may extend down the walls and later blister the inner and outer walls. Slowly gold growth appears. Another sign is in the form of a musty smell in your attic. You will feel stuffy inside the attic. On closer inspection moss and mildew growth comes to the view. If you do not act when these signs occur, your roof structure will be compromised.
The most important fact is that it is very difficult to trace the origin of the leaks as they often occur somewhere above the spots where you have noticed the signs.
Where to look for roof leaks
If you have a shingle or shake roof, look for these damages. Shingles may curl or buckle. Shakes may break at places or warp. In both cases, wind damages often occurred. The missing shingles and shakes let water in. Tile roofs often have broken or missing tiles creating gaps for water to enter.
2. Flashings
Flashings occur at different points on the roof. It is around the vents and chimneys. It consists of a metal sheet fixed with roofing cement or other sealants. Age and the impact of weather causes damage to these metal pieces and the sealants. This will lead to slow but steady water damage to the roof. Look for corrosion on the metal and cracks on the sealants.
3. Step flashing
Step flashing occurs where a part of the roof rises vertically up due to architectural designs. So, metal pieces are attached between each shingle and the wall. See if there had occurred any skewing in the metal sheets due to some severe climatic events. This is a potential water damage point.
4. Valleys
Valleys are the places where two parts of a roof join. The valleys are laid with metal sheets to facilitate easy flow off. When rainstorms occur, it may damage these sheets or dislocate the shingles along the valley. So, during roof inspections, the valleys should receive special attention.
5. Siding
The siding boards are exposed to the elements during all climatic conditions. The siding will crack in the extreme heat and sometimes the wind or rain dislodges them. The resulting gaps will let water seep in causing a roof leak.
6. Plumbing and vent housings
The plumbing components and vents are fixed on the roof with the help of rubber housings. These rubber structures are likely to crack in due time. These cracks are possible roof leak sources.
7. Chimney caps
During storms and hurricanes, the chimney caps will develop cracks or the chimney top will shed bricks. During the roof inspection, the chimney should get adequate attention. Search for the smallest of cracks or gaps on the chimney because they stand up to the elements.
5. Siding
The siding boards are exposed to the elements during all climatic conditions. The siding will crack in the extreme heat and sometimes the wind or rain dislodges them. The resulting gaps will let water seep in causing a roof leak.
6. Plumbing and vent housings
The plumbing components and vents are fixed on the roof with the help of rubber housings. These rubber structures are likely to crack in due time. These cracks are possible roof leak sources.
7. Chimney caps
During storms and hurricanes, the chimney caps will develop cracks or the chimney top will shed bricks. During the roof inspection, the chimney should get adequate attention. Search for the smallest of cracks or gaps on the chimney because they stand up to the elements.
8. Fascia and soffit
These structures are installed to safeguard the extremities of the roof. So, these often face the wrath of the climate. Look for any damage to these because through these gaps water may enter your roof’s interiors.
9. Clogged gutters
Gutters and downspouts are put in place for easy drainage. If they are clogged, water overflows into your roof through the fascia. Periodic cleaning of gutters will eliminate this possibility.
10. Loose nails
Nails may come loose if the wind lifts the shingles. Inspect your roof carefully for such loose nails. Water will seep in through the bases of these loose nails. Take care to drive them home.
11. Skylights and dormers
Skylights and dormers are attached to the roof and the bases of these structures are highly vulnerable points. So, these points should receive extra scrutiny while doing a roof inspection.
12. Water pooling
Water pooling happens when water pools at some points of the roof. There are many causes for this. Poor installation will create depressions on the roof. If some traffic had occurred because of some repair work on the roof, there can be depressions. Hail damage can also cause such depression. Accumulation of debris also obstructs easy flow off. The water pooling in these areas will slowly get in between the shingles.
13. Pest entrances
14. Attic condensation
Moisture that enters your attic from your living areas will condense during the night. This condensate can drip onto the ceiling giving the appearance of a roof leak. Tweaking your attic ventilation will remedy these “faux-roof leaks”. Once you know where to look it is easy to discover the origins of roof leaks. However, only an experienced roofer can detect most of these susceptibilities.