When it comes to protecting your home, your roof is your first line of defense. Unfortunately, even a small issue with your roof can lead to significant problems, including water damage. Roof leaks often start subtly, but they can quickly escalate, causing structural issues, mold growth, and costly repairs. In this article, we’ll explore the top signs of roof leaks, their common causes, and effective solutions to keep your home safe.
Top Signs Your Roof May Be Leaking
A roof leak can manifest in many ways, some more obvious than others.
Some of the big signs of roof leaks are a sagging roof or ceiling, active leaks in the home, and damaged or missing shingles. Active leaks cause water to invade your living space and cause water damage inside your home. A sagging roof or missing shingles leave your roof exposed to allow for water penetration which will lead to further interior damage as well. All of these should be addressed immediately with a professional roofing company to restore the structural integrity of your home.
There are also interior signs homeowners should look out for in order to catch a leak before they cause greater issues. Visible water stains on ceilings or walls are often the first interior signs of a roof leak. Off-white, yellow, or even brown stains result from water seeping through your roof, the attic subfloor, and ceiling drywall.
Mold or mildew growth in your attic or ceiling is often the result of a roof leak which has allowed for excess moisture to hang around. This of course creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew. If you notice a musty odor or visible mold, it’s time to investigate.
Increased humidity or musty odor indoors are actually one of the first signs many homeowners notice, even though they aren’t visible. A mildew smell is an indication that an area of your home is retaining moisture, unable to air out. Persistent dampness and odors can indicate hidden water damage caused by a roof leak.
Another indication of a roof leak is the health of those in your home. If your kids or family have been getting sick persistently there’s a chance of mold growing in the attic or even your vents and ductwork. Mold in these areas is often as a result of a roof leak.
My roof was repaired. Now what?
The roofing company replaced the damaged or missing shingles and repaired your roof. Yay, your home is now protecting you as it should from outdoor elements and further storm damage, and keeping rain and moisture out.
But what about the interior damage, and smells, left in your home? Without the proper treatment, and removal of all affected materials, your family will still suffer from mold, musty odors, and potential sickness.
It’s important to connect with a licensed and insured restoration company, Biosweep Southeast for those in the Charleston, SC area, to take care of any damage caused by roof leaks.
How to Assess Roof Leak Water Damage
Upon noticing any of the signs above that you may have a roof leak, Biosweep Southeast offers the following:
*Ceiling Inspections: We know what to look for when it comes to inspecting your walls and ceilings for signs of moisture, damaged drywall, and other indications of water in the home where it just shouldn’t be.
*Attic Inspections: We’ll inspect your attic, not just for evident holes or compromised areas of your roof, but also for damaged flooring or compromised areas on or around your ductwork and HVAC unit. Anywhere water is where it shouldn’t be could lead to bigger problems like mold, soggy attic flooring, and more.
*Thermal Scan and Inspections: A part of all our inspections is a thermal scan of your area. Thermal scans allow us to “see” beyond your drywall or ceiling. They measure where hot air and cold air meet which could be an indication of damage or lack of insulation. Lack of insulation can be caused by or lead to water damage behind your walls or ceiling
*Air Quality Testing: Additionally, we’ll run an air quality test in your home which will pick up any signs of mold or mildew spores in the air which can cause your family to get sick and struggle to get better.
How BioSweep Southeast Can Help
We specialize in restoring homes affected by roof leak water damage. Your new or repaired roof will protect you from future damage but often you already have damage within your home. Our team is able to detect and identify the source of issues quickly and provide you with the strategy needed to restore the interior of your home to a safe and healthy place to live.
- Structural Drying: First, we’ll ensure the area is fully dried out to prevent any further damage.
- Mold Remediation: All evidence of mold and mildew will be removed and damaged materials will be replaced.
- Air Cleaning: With our state-of-the-art BioSweep air treatment machines, we’ll kill any remaining mold spores and bacteria from the air.
- Odor Removal: All musty smells will be neutralized to restore fresh, clean air in your home.
- Interior Reconstruction: Any damaged drywall or wood rot gets repaired or replaced and their surfaces repainted so no one will know anything ever happened.
Our team provides prompt and professional service to minimize damage and restore your home’s comfort and safety.
A leaking roof is more than an inconvenience; it’s a threat to your home and health. By recognizing the signs of roof leaks, understanding their causes, and taking swift action, you can prevent costly damage and ensure your home remains a safe haven. If you’re dealing with roof leak water damage, don’t wait—contact BioSweep Southeast today for expert assistance.
