This may seem like a silly question, but not every roofing leak is coming through your ceiling and into your living room. If you are experiencing any kind of roof leaking then it is likely there may be a larger issue. There may be an issue in the attic, roof, or second-story flooring. You need to track where the leak is coming from and stop it before repair work can be done. While this isn’t a fun thing to go through as a homeowner, it happens, so let’s take a look at some of the warning signs of a leaking roof.
How To Detect A Roof Leak?
Bubbling Paint
If you ever notice paint bubbling on your ceiling, this could be a sign of a leak. In some cases, interior paint is capable of holding in water and it will show water damage by bubbling.
Dark Water
If there is water pooling up under the paint you will like;y see dark water stains on the ceiling or walls. This can sometimes have a smelly odor.
Weather
Pay attention to your ceiling and roof after any harsh weather. These leaks usually appear after rain or snow.
Safety
The safety of your home is a top priority. Any kind of ceiling leak needs to be stopped as soon as possible to prevent black mold, asbestos issues, or lead-based paint health hazards.
What To Do When You Think There Is A Leak?
Collection Points
You want to find the cause of the leak right away. One of the best ways to do this is to start where the water ends and mark it. Figure out where the water is collecting. Sometimes you see the water pooling behind a light fixture. You can even see water collecting above kitchen cabinets too. Follow the cause and continue to investigate beyond that as well.
Light fixtures sometimes act as containers for ceiling leaks. The leak may not necessarily be directly above the fixture. Instead, the fixture is the lowest point on the ceiling, so it collects water. The tops of kitchen wall cabinets, too, act as collectors for water leaks.
Above the Leak
Always consider what is happening above the leak. If the leak is coming from the attic then you can easily locate the area of the leak. If the roof is what is above the leak then you likely have a wet underside of the roof. This means that the roof itself is leaking and the leak may have started at a higher point than what you are seeing.
Gutters
Check your gutters t ensure they are in proper working order. If your gutters are full of debris, then it is likely there will be water overflow back into the attic.
Investigate
Hire a professional roofing company to investigate and repair. These professionals will walk your roof to check for all damage and examine your shingles and roof ridge. They will look for any signs of water entry and check all piping.
In Conclusion
For more information and to get assistance with all of your roofing needs in Arlington, WA, contact us. We would love to assist you with your roofing repairs or replacements.