Roof leaks often start slowly and can avoid detection for months or even years. There are, however, several telltale signs that your roof is leaking slowly, including:
1) Water spots Water spots may seem like an obvious sign that something is wrong, but there are numerous ways that they can be misinterpreted, which can lead to a much bigger problem at a later date. One of the most common misinterpretations occurs when people move into a home with a pre-existing leak. While full disclosure of structural issues is required upon the sale of a home, slow leaks are often difficult to find and/or may only occur during heavy rains, which can lead to the mistaken presumption that the leak has been fixed and is no longer a problem. While water stains may be the result of a plumbing issue, any growth in size or darkening of the common brown and yellow coloring of a water stain in conjunction with rainfall will indicate that there is a problem with the roof that needs to be handled immediately.
2) Peeling paint around skylights or the area where the chimney comes in contact with the ceiling A high percentage of roof leaks happen where the deck is penetrated by structures connecting the interior of the home to the exterior. Penetrating structures include chimneys, skylights, vents, etc., so if youre seeing cracking or peeling paint around these types of structures, you may have pinpointed the source of your roof leak.
3) The scent of mildew Mildew and its close relative, mold, are made up of microscopic organisms that thrive in damp, humid environments. Left untreated, mold and mildew can start the process of decomposing wood and drywall in the attic and sidewalls, while also releasing microbes into the home which can lead to severe health problems. If you pick up a scent of mildew in your home, especially if it is accompanied by water spots and/or peeling paint, you probably have two problems; a slow leak in your roof as well as the potential for a serious health issue. At this point, its time to call a roofing contractor as well as a mold mitigation professional.
While not as obvious as the roof leaks that fill up buckets on the floor of your home, slow leaks can cause extensive damage and create a serious health hazard. If you experience any of these telltale signs, take action immediately as the problem will only become worse and more dangerous over time.
1) Water spots Water spots may seem like an obvious sign that something is wrong, but there are numerous ways that they can be misinterpreted, which can lead to a much bigger problem at a later date. One of the most common misinterpretations occurs when people move into a home with a pre-existing leak. While full disclosure of structural issues is required upon the sale of a home, slow leaks are often difficult to find and/or may only occur during heavy rains, which can lead to the mistaken presumption that the leak has been fixed and is no longer a problem. While water stains may be the result of a plumbing issue, any growth in size or darkening of the common brown and yellow coloring of a water stain in conjunction with rainfall will indicate that there is a problem with the roof that needs to be handled immediately.
2) Peeling paint around skylights or the area where the chimney comes in contact with the ceiling A high percentage of roof leaks happen where the deck is penetrated by structures connecting the interior of the home to the exterior. Penetrating structures include chimneys, skylights, vents, etc., so if youre seeing cracking or peeling paint around these types of structures, you may have pinpointed the source of your roof leak.
3) The scent of mildew Mildew and its close relative, mold, are made up of microscopic organisms that thrive in damp, humid environments. Left untreated, mold and mildew can start the process of decomposing wood and drywall in the attic and sidewalls, while also releasing microbes into the home which can lead to severe health problems. If you pick up a scent of mildew in your home, especially if it is accompanied by water spots and/or peeling paint, you probably have two problems; a slow leak in your roof as well as the potential for a serious health issue. At this point, its time to call a roofing contractor as well as a mold mitigation professional.
While not as obvious as the roof leaks that fill up buckets on the floor of your home, slow leaks can cause extensive damage and create a serious health hazard. If you experience any of these telltale signs, take action immediately as the problem will only become worse and more dangerous over time.
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