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The roofs of our homes have to withstand the worst the weather throws at them and most of the time, they do this well. But sometimes the weather gets the best of them and a leak is created. Spotting that leak and getting a roofer to deal with it needs to be done as quickly as possible to avoid a worsening problem but how do you tell if you have a roof leak?
Signs of water
One of the most common signs of a roof leak around Cheltenham is signs of water in places that it shouldn’t be. There are the obvious water signs, such as puddles, but there are also a lot of subtle signs that water is leaking through the roof. Discolouration on walls or ceilings can be a sign of water and if the area is below the roof then this could mean some of the roof tiles aren’t doing their job. Dried stains will often leave a brown mark that is all that remains of a sign of a problem.
Drips indicating frost damage
Sometimes leaks aren’t direction from a hole in the roof but from frost damage. With frost and ice damage, the freezing and thawing process can force roofing materials apart and this can allow moisture into the space below. Like direct leaks, this can leave evidence of moisture on walls or floors. It may also lead to drips of water when the ice thaws.
Moss growth
Moss is a plant that grows in wet conditions away from direct sunlight so it can grow on walls naturally. However, if you notice moss growing, it is worth checking that the cause isn’t a roof leak. When the roof leaks and water builds up on exterior walls, the moss can then start to grow, leaving a big, green stain.
Guttering sagging
There are more parts to the roof than just the roof tiles and some of these areas can be a source of a leak. Fascia’s and soffits are the sections that connect the roof to the house and are where the guttering is located. If your guttering is sagging, pulling away from the fascia or showing any other signs of being less than perfect, this could allow water to build up in places it shouldn’t and cause a leak.
Debris on the ground
Debris on the ground is perhaps the most obvious sign of a roof leak yet can easily be misidentified because we forget what material is on the roof. If you have a grey roof tile and see small pieces of grey material on the ground, there is a good chance that this is from a chipped or missing tile. So, look out for debris and remember what debris from your roof would look like.
Conclusion
Sometimes the signs of a leak can be subtle enough that you don’t notice them until a problem is happening. That’s why having a roofer inspect your roof at least once a year is a good way to head off the problem and reduce the chance of dealing with a roof leak.
