Undetected Roof Leaks-How Much Harm Can They Really Do?

When water is dripping from the ceiling or running down the walls, a roof leak is obvious. But what about those undetected leaks that go unnoticed for days, months, and even years.

We all know that water entering the home can damage the drywall, structural members, insulation, carpet, furnishings, and anything else that it comes in contact with but it also can cause a health hazard in the form of mold.

A roof can leak for a number of reasons, but the most common is substandard installation of the roof. Over half of all roof leaks in typical residences are the result of improper flashing around roof vents and in the valley where the roof lines meet. Storms are the second-leading cause of leaks, since strong winds can rip shingles from the roof and force water underneath some types of shingles. It areas of the country, where ice and snow are a common occurrence, a lack of installation or poor installation of ice and water shield can be a contributor of a roof leak.

There are many things that can go wrong with the roofing system, including, cracked tiles, shingles that curl, shingles that get blown off, flashing can be damaged or bend. All of these will lead to a serious problem and that is a roof leak. You may not see the damage coming. Water may be seeping in, but you won't see it in the house until water is coming into the interior of the home. At that point a lot of damage may have already occurred. In some cases, the first visual hint of a problem will be the appearance of mold.

Checking your roof a couple of times a year is always a good idea but always check it after a wind, hail, or heavy rain storm. If you are in a cold climate check it after the snow and ice have melted.

It is fairly easy for the average home owner to do a visual inspection of your roof. Check for cracked or missing tiles or shingles, bent or damaged flashing, cracked or damaged roof jack covers around roof penetrations like bathroom vents. Also check your gutter systems to make sure that they are clear of any debris and are not damaged. If you have a steep roof or you feel uncomfortable climbing on your roof, you may need to call in a professional.

It is also a good idea to check your attic area at least twice a year for signs of moisture that cannot be seen from the outside and hidden from view.

If you are uncomfortable doing your own inspection and feel you may have a problem it is a good idea to call a competent home inspector for an unbiased opinion on how extensive the problem really is. Also as the fee is probably the same have them do a complete home inspection and inform you of any other problems that have the potential of causing future costly repairs.

If it appears you may have a problem, now is the time to call in a professional. In many cases, the repairs can be relatively inexpensive. If you have an older roof, replacement may be required. Repairing an older roof is usually just a Band-Aid with short-term effect and can lead to further damage and be a lot more costly to not only replace the roof, but repair the consequential damages.