Finding a leak and repairing it immediately can be the difference between a few hundred dollars in repairs to tens of thousands for a complete roof replacement.
One of the easier ways to keep an eye on problems without going up onto the roof is to look for signs of potential problems from within. Take a little time and do an indoor roof inspection, if you see any of these signs, you should call your local roof contractor ASAP!
(1) Sagging decking between the rafters.
Roof decking is the material (usually plywood or tong and groove wood) between the structural components (trusses and joints), insulation and weatherproofing layers. The attic is a good place to look for issues with decking without risking your neck getting on the roof.
If the decking is sagging or deteriorating, this indicated possible structural problems with roof itself and should inspected further immediately.
(2) Outside light that can be seen through the roof.
Outside of shake roofs, which typically swell during rainy months (which prevent leaks), if light can be seen through the roof it’s likely you have damage. Water can get through these small holes and left unrepaired can cause all kinds of damage to your roof and home. Any signs of holes should be addressed quickly.
(3) Signs of leaking in the attic (dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof).
Test dark spots in the wood to decide if they are old or current problems. If the spot is still wet, or if it’s soft (test with a screwdriver), the spot is a current problem. If the spot is dry and hard, it is most likely an old problem that has been fixed.
(4) Any signs of water damage or leaking (usually in the form of water stains or sagging ceilings) anywhere in the house
These signs could be due to an active leak in the roof or to condensation caused by poor roof ventilation. In either case, a thorough inspection by a roof contractor is warranted.
Any of these signs indicate the need for immediate repair or even a new roof entirely.
The best way to know for sure is to contact a professional roof contractor. A professional roof contractor will be able to clearly identify the problem and present a solution to not only repair it but prevent it from occurring again!
If you notice any of these signs in your home, don’t freak out, and definitely don’t ignore them, call a professional roof contractor immediately!
If you’re in Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Roofing Specialists has been handling Metro Atlanta’s roofs for over 25 years! No job is too big or too small and we’ll take the time to explain your dilemma and the available solutions and have your home back in shape as fast as possible!
Emergency services are also available 24/7 ! Call us today at 770-419-2222 for a FREE ESTIMATE!