Your roof can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on the material that covers it. However, there’s no guarantee that your roof will last for its maximum lifespan. There are many steps you need to take to ensure that your roof stays in shape. 

One of these steps is to look for the signs of a roof leak before any water damage becomes too severe. Unfortunately, this isn’t always easy. Some signs of a roof leak are difficult to notice. 

Read on to learn the signs of a potential roof leak. 

Is My Roof Leaking: 6 Hidden Roof Leak Signs 

It may be hard to remind yourself that you need to look out for these signs. Try pairing looking for these signs with other household chores. For example, you can look for signs of mold and peeling when you clean the house. 

1. Mold 

Mold can be harder to notice than you may think. This fungus likes to thrive in damp, dark places. You’re more likely to find it in the back of a cupboard than in plain sight.

Look in Secret Places

Try looking in places you usually don’t look while you clean the house. Did you spot mold? If so, you may want to consider getting a roof inspection. 

Get Rid of Mold Immediately

However, you should also do what you can to eliminate the mold immediately. Mold can cause health issues in people that inhale it. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and itchy throat and/or eyes. 

2. Water Stains 

Water stains are spots that look darker than the area around them. You can find them on your walls and/or ceiling when there’s a roof leak. However, water spots can also point to a plumbing leak as well. 

Is It a Roof Leak or a Plumbing Leak? 

How can you tell the difference? If you have a house that is two or more stories, consider the floor where you saw the water spot. If it’s on the ceiling of the highest floor, a roof leak likely caused it. 

Wall Stains Could Be Either

Unfortunately, you can’t use this same trick with a wall leak. Water drips down the inside of a wall easily. Therefore, try to look for other roof leak signs as well if you spot a wall water stain. 

3. Peeling Paint or Wallpaper 

Do you see peeling paint and/or wallpaper on the walls and/or ceiling of your home? If so, you may need to hire a roof leak repair service as soon as possible. These are signs that your walls and/or ceiling are getting damp. 

Dampness Is Dangerous

A damp house structure is one of the most dangerous risks of a roof leak. If water gets into a wood structure, it can cause the wood to rot and weaken. This can cause your house to collapse. 

Could Be the Plumbing

However, damp walls and ceilings can also indicate a plumbing issue. Try to use the trick with the water stains to figure out if it’s a plumbing or roof leak issue. 

4. Damaged Roofing

One way to know for sure if you have a roof leak is to inspect your roof. However, do not walk on your roof. This can cause more damage, and you can injure yourself. 

Climb Up High

Instead, get a ladder, lean it against the side of your house, and then climb until you can see the surface of your roof. Once you’re there, you can check for damaged roofing. 

Check Your Roofing 

The type of damage you should look for depends on the type of roofing you have. In general, though, you need to look for cracks on and missing tiles, shingles, etc. You may also notice curling in shingles that are no longer effective. 

5. Missing Flashing 

You should find the flashing at the corners where your roof means the walls, chimneys, skylights, etc. Roofers can use many materials to make flashing, including caulking and metal. The point, though, is that you need to see a material sitting in that corner. 

Missing Flashing Causes Water Damage

If it’s missing, then water is likely sneaking through the crack it left behind. You’ll need to hire a roof repair service to replace it. If you leave it alone, the water will continue to cause damage to your home. 

Don’t Replace It Yourself 

Don’t try to replace the flashing on your own. You can’t do this without risking injury by stepping onto the roof. In addition, a skilled roofer will do a far better job with replacing flashing than you likely can. 

6. Gutter Problems 

While you’re inspecting your roof, you should also check your gutters. When gutters don’t work properly, water can run down the side of your home. Water can also pool on your roof and eventually make its way inside your home. 

Check For Leaking Gutters 

Your gutters need to carry the water on your roof away from your home completely. A leaking gutter can’t do this. Water can then drip onto the exterior walls of your home. 

Clean Your Clogged Gutters 

Are your gutters clogged with a lot of debris? If so, this is a recipe for pooling water. You should clean out your gutters as soon as possible. 

Replace Rusted Gutters 

Rusted gutters may not be leaking at that moment. However, there’s a high chance that they will do this in the future. You may want to get your gutters replaced before they cause future water damage. 

We Can Be the Roof Repair Service You Need

As you can see, you’ll have to go out of your way to look for a roof leak. If you feel frustrated about this, remember that you’re saving yourself the trouble of having to completely rebuild your home. 

Did you find that you need roof repair services? If so, consider hiring us. We’re a state-licensed and certified roofing contractor in South Florida. 

Schedule a service call with us by filling out the form at the top of this page.