Roof leaks can pose serious problems for homeowners and business owners. When not addressed promptly, even a minor roof leak can lead to extensive water damage that can create health and safety issues requiring extensive and costly repairs. For this reason, it’s critical to always have roof water damage addressed by a professional water damage restoration company as soon as it’s detected.
Common Causes of Roof Water Damage
Your roof can become damaged in a variety of ways. In some instances, the damage may simply be due to wear and tear associated with an old roof. As roofing materials such as asphalt shingles age, they dry out, crack, curl and lose their ability to shed water properly.
Other common causes of roof water damage include:
- Broken shingles – Brittle, aging shingles can fall off completely, leaving the roof vulnerable to leaks that will result in water damage.
- Damaged or improperly installed flashing – Flashing seals roof joints. If the flashing wasn’t installed properly or if it becomes cracked, it can cause leaks.
- Clogged gutters – Debris buildup in gutters prevents proper drainage of rainwater away from the roof, potentially causing leaks.
- Ice dam buildup – An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, preventing melting snow from properly draining off the roof. Over time, water will back up behind the dam and can potentially leak into your home or business.
- Chimney damage – Cracks or damage to the chimney can allow water to seep in and pool up, leading to leaks.
- Improper roof pitch/installation – Using the wrong materials or improper installation techniques for the roof pitch can result in leaks over time.
- Rooftop equipment issues – Leaks can develop around vents, pipes, skylights and HVAC units due to punctures, dried sealants or improper installation.
- Storm damage – Strong winds, hail and fallen tree branches from storm damage can create holes in the roof, allowing water to enter.
- Condensation in the attic – Warm interior air that meets cold exterior surfaces in the attic can cause a buildup of condensation which can drip down and cause leaks.
What Are the Most Common Issues Associated with Water Damage from Roof Damage?
Water damage from a leaking roof can result in a variety of serious issues, including:
- Structural damage that can create potential safety hazards from collapsing ceilings or walls
- Electrical hazards from shorted wires, which may potentially cause a fire
- Mold growth which can spread throughout your home or business, creating health hazards for individuals with mold allergies or pre-existing respiratory conditions
- Bacteria and microorganism contamination that can remain in your home or business even after the water is gone, causing skin conditions and upper respiratory problems
- Indoor air quality issues from mold and bacteria which can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma
How to Identify Water Damage from Roof Damage
In some instances, it may be obvious that you’ve experienced roof water damage, such as when you have a leak in your ceiling. However, water damage from a leaking roof will often have more subtle warning signs, such as:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Peeling, bubbling or cracked paint on ceilings and walls
- Sagging or bowed ceilings
- Soft, depressed areas on drywall when pressed
- Visible mold growth, often in corners where the walls and ceilings meet
- Musty odors (this is an indicator of potential mold growth)
Common signs of attic water damage include:
- Water stains or damp insulation in the attic
- Trail of water damage leading to the entry point of a leak
- Mold growth or musty smells in the attic
It’s important to conduct thorough interior and exterior inspections after storms to identify potential roof leaks in their earliest stages before you develop significant water damage. Making prompt repairs to your roof can help prevent additional damage to your home or business.
If you notice any signs of roof water damage listed above, it’s critical to call a professional water damage restoration company at once. This will minimize additional damage and ensure any structural issues or health hazards are addressed properly so that your home or business is safe to inhabit.
What to Do When Your Roof Is Leaking
The first thing you should always do when you notice a leaking roof is to call a professional water damage restoration company. At RestorePro Reconstruction, we offer 24/7 emergency response services and will arrive at your home or business shortly after receiving your call to begin the water damage restoration process.
But there are also several steps you can take to minimize the damage caused by your roof leak while you wait for our team to arrive:
- Move and cover belongings – Move or cover any furniture, valuables, equipment and other belongings that could get wet and become damaged from the leak.
- Contain the leak – Place buckets or containers under the leak to catch the water, swapping out full containers regularly to prevent overflowing.
- Release trapped water – If the ceiling is bulging or sagging from trapped water, puncture it at the lowest point to release the water into your containers. This prevents the ceiling from collapsing under the water’s weight.
- Identify the location of the roof leak – Look at interior signs of water damage such as water trails or stains to identify the location of the roof leak. If the attic is accessible, check it for signs of the leak entry point.
- Create temporary leak protection – Use tarps or plastic sheets to cover any potential areas where the leak may be causing water to enter your property.
- Document damages – Take photos of any interior water damage, stains and affected belongings to submit with your insurance claim.
Preventing Roof Water Damage
The best way to prevent water damage from roof leaks is to take regular proactive steps to maintain the quality and integrity of your roof. These include:
- Schedule regular roof inspections – Have a professional roofing contractor thoroughly inspect your roof annually to identify and repair any potential problem areas before leaks develop.
- Clean and maintain gutters – Clean your gutters at least twice a year to prevent clogs that can cause water to back up on the roof. Make sure your gutters are properly sloped and securely attached to allow for proper drainage.
- Trim overhanging trees and branches – Trim back any tree branches hanging over or touching the roof to prevent damage from scraping.
- Remove debris – Clean off any branches, leaves and other debris currently on the roof to prevent damage.
- Address minor damage promptly – Fix any cracked, curled, missing or damaged shingles, as well as any punctures in the roof surface. Seal joints and apply roof sealant around vents and pipes to maintain a watertight roof.
- Ensure proper attic ventilation – Install or clear any blocked soffit, ridge or gable vents to maintain adequate attic ventilation. This will prevent moisture buildup that can result in mold, rot and premature shingle deterioration.
RestorePro Damage Restoration Experts Can Help After Water Damage from a Leaky Roof
If your home or business has developed water damage from a leaky roof, RestorePro Damage Restoration Experts can help return your property to its original condition. We’ve been the leading water damage restoration company in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee since 1986. Our team is fully licensed, bonded and insured, and we possess the advanced training necessary to ensure the job is completed correctly.
At RestorePro Damage Restoration Experts, we offer comprehensive water damage restoration services, allowing us to handle every aspect of the process, from the initial assessment of damage through any required repair and reconstruction work. Our team has developed a thorough process that utilizes the most advanced technology and adheres to industry best practices. If we detect any mold growth, our team can also perform all necessary mold remediation work to get rid of the mold and prevent regrowth.
We offer 24/7 emergency water damage restoration services and will arrive promptly after receiving your call, day or night, ready to begin work. Our team has the expertise to restore your property to its original condition, regardless of the size of the property or the scope of the damage.
Contact us at 919-835-0676 today to schedule an appointment. RestorePro Damage Restoration Experts serves customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.