What To Do When Your Roof Leaks

Leaks come in all shapes and forms. Whether you’ve noticed blisters appearing under the paint on your walls or you’ve seen a brownish-yellow stain slowly growing on your ceiling, there are many ways leaks can find their way into your living space – and many places those leaks can originate. If you spot a leak after a heavy rain, here are some quick tips on what to do – and what NOT to do!

Paint Blisters:

• DO: take a closer look. If the wall itself feels soft or responds to pressure, your drywall is likely soaked, meaning there’s a good chance water damage has been building up over time behind the wall. This can lead to mold, rotting wood, electrical problems, and more. Other indicators of wall water damage include discoloration, cracking or spider-like patterns in the paint, and peeling.
• DON’T: Don’t pop large, puffy paint blisters! While it may seem tempting, resist the urge; beyond making a potentially huge mess, opening up a blister creates a direct channel for excess moisture to enter your home, and exponentially increases the likelihood of structural damage. These bubbles may also stem from plumbing leaks or other sources, so it’s important to call your trusted roofing contractor or water damage professionals to properly pin-point the leak’s origin.

Actual Drips:

• DO: Make note of where the water is dripping from and when it typically happens. Water dripping directly from the ceiling or the top corners of a room during a heavy rain is most likely coming from your roof. It takes a significant amount of water to result in an actual drip-leak, so seeing this type of leak is an urgent matter. Call your roofing contractor immediately and schedule an assessment as soon as possible! Look for other signs of moisture damage, like a moldy or mildew-y smell, water stains or discolorations, and mold or mildew spots near the drip site.
• DON’T: Don’t set out a pot and hope for the best! Oftentimes, homeowners will be so absorbed in daily life that it’s easy to overlook drips or leaks. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse, especially when it comes to actual drip leaks; now that the water has found its way into your home, there’s a good chance your insulation has been compromised, as well; moisture-soaked insulation and wood mean mold has likely developed, as it thrives in damp environments and quickly spreads.

Plant Growth On Roof:

• DO: Has moss or algae formed spots across your roof? Or maybe your gutters have plants growing out of them – in addition to an excess of old, soggy leaves. If you spot any type of growth on your roof – whether green moss or black mold – call a roofing professional immediately. Organic growth of any kind means your roof is absorbing moisture – not repelling it. That means it’s only a matter of time before your roof collapses!
• DON’T: Don’t try to go on your roof alone to see the plant growth up close. Algae and black mold can be extremely slick when wet or damp; you risk falling off the roof, falling through the roof, or otherwise harming yourself (and your roof). A trusted professional will know how to navigate plant damage, and can discuss options for repair or replacement with you.

As always, professional roofing contractors are the best route for any suspected roof damage! Longtime contractors are well aware of the regional climate and common issues other rooftops in your area face, and can answer any questions you have about any (and all) roof leaks. To schedule a free roof inspection and estimate, contact Guy Roofing’s well-trained technicians today!