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We know the last thing you want to deal with is water coming into your home. However, being educated and knowing the signs of a roof leak can help you keep your family and your property safe. 

You’re going to read all about the signs below. We’ve even included a few tips that you’ll find useful as well. Keep reading! 

Dripping Water

The first and the most obvious sign of a roof leak is dripping water. 

If water starts dripping through your ceiling, you’ll know right away that there is a leak and you have roof damage to repair. It’s important that you act quickly in order to keep the damage to a minimum.

Water Stains 

Another one of the most common signs of a roof leak is water stains. 

Typically, water stains will be discolored patches on your ceiling or walls. They are typically yellowish brown. This is a sure sign that water is seeping into the interior of your home.

If these spots show up in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, don’t assume that the issue is humidity or steam in the air. While it is possible that the damage could be from indoor humidity, it’s not very likely.

Odds are the damage is from a leak in your roof. If you ignore the issue, the damage will only continue to get worse, increasing the amount you have to spend on repairs. 

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew can be extremely dangerous. It can make you and your family sick.

If you believe you have a leak in your roof, be sure to check your walls, ceilings, the attic, and all the corners of your house for mold and bacteria buildup.

If you start to notice a strange odor, it could be an indication that mold is growing. The reason mildew and mold are so common with roof leaks is because of the excess moisture. It creates the ideal environment for bacteria to not only grow but to thrive. 

Wet Insulation In the Attic

Attics tend to be a little more damp and muggy than the rest of the house. However, if you notice the insulation is wet, you’ll need to take action immediately.

Lots of moisture in the attic is an indicator that there is a leak, but it could also lead to a lot more serious issues. Wet insulation can quickly become a home pest and bacteria, which are two things you don’t want in your home. 

Curling or Buckling Shingles

When you’re doing your routine roof inspection, be sure to keep an eye out for curling, splitting, or buckling shingles. 

Any damage to the shingles could allow water to get through. 

Increased Utility Bill

This sign may come as a surprise to you. An increase in your utility bill can indicate that you need roof maintenance.

When water seeps in through your roof through a leak and saturates your insulation, it causes it to be less effective. This will then force your HVAC system to work harder. 

Don’t brush off a spike in your bill. Be proactive and look for roof damage. 

What To Do Next

The moments after you realize you have a leak in your roof can be very stressful and overwhelming. Your head is spinning with stress and you’re probably wondering what to do. 

First, take a step back and calm yourself as much as possible. You won’t be able to create a game plan or strategy if you’re panicky.

Minimize the Damage 

You’ll want to do your best to minimize the damage as much as possible. If water is leaking through, start by moving valuables. 

Photos, antiques, electronics, documents, and other important items should be moved to a sage area if possible. You may want to consider covering your furniture as well. 

Placing buckets down to collect the water is also an easy, temporary solution. 

Temporary Fix

Once that is done, you’ll need to locate the source of the issue. 

If possible, place a temporary patch over the leak. It doesn’t need to be perfect. If you can stop part of the leaking and damage, do it!

There are patching kits that you can purchase that can be very useful until you have a permanent solution. 

Call a Pro

The next step in fixing a roof leak is to call a professional. They will be able to advise you on the best solution and fix the issue. 

This will give you peace of mind knowing the repair is going to last and you don’t have to worry about the leak anymore. 

Signs of a Roof Leak

There are many signs of a roof leak that you need to be on the lookout for. If you are aware of the potential issues, it will make it easier to fix them but also prevent them. 

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you’ve owned the property for 50 years, these tips for roof repair will prove to be helpful. 

We hope your roof holds up and doesn’t give you any issues. However, it’s not uncommon for roofs to leak occasionally. 

The good news is you can contact one of our professionals by sending us a message. We are here for you every step of the way.