How To Tell If You Have A Roof Leak

As South Florida continues to get pummeled by the daily onslaught of heavy thunderstorms throughout the rainy season, it’s vital that homeowners keep a close eye on their roofs. According to the U.S. Census, roughly 35-40% of all homes in the tri-county area were built in the 60s and 70s. With most roof lifespans only lasting 30 years, chances are your home is already gearing towards the end of its second roof’s life. This, coupled with the torrential downpours, could lead to you dealing with a roof leak. You can usually tell right away if you see a water spot forming on the ceiling, but what are some other telltale signs of a roof leak you might not be aware of?

Interior Ceiling Spots

The most obvious sign of a roof leak, ceiling spots are the tell tale sign of a roof leaking and seeping water down until it sits on the ceiling. Ceiling spots caused by a roof leak are either dark or brown in coloration, as well as faint brownish rings that form around the stain. These ceiling spots tend to form in the center of your ceiling, but can also be found hiding in corners where they could easily be missed. 

Cracked Tiles or Missing Shingles

You can tell right away if you have a roof leak in South Florida by going up and checking your roof for yourself. While missing tiles due to age and strong wind speeds leave large gaps for water to enter your home, cracked tiles can cause just as much damage if left untreated for too long. Rainwater can track down through cracks from your roof and towards your ceiling. As South Floridians, you must regularly check on your roof, especially if it was built before 2000.

Wet Roof Deck

Similar to a ceiling stain, having a damp roof deck is a direct sign of a roof leak. You can spot these as dark spots that form on the wood of your attic. While a clear indicator of a roof leak, these can be difficult to trace back to the source as the water will typically run down the slope of the roof before sitting and forming that spot.

Exterior Wall Growth

If you suspect you have a hidden roof leak, we strongly recommend inspecting the exterior of your home for excessive amounts of mold, moss, or fungi growing. These pests tend to grow in dark, damp environments, so finding them on a part of the wall where they don’t belong is likely caused by moisture seeping through the walls via a leak in your roof.

Dripping

The most obvious sign of a leaking roof is drippage. This can be either the sound of dripping or an actual stream dripping from your ceiling. The drip will typically start from the point of a ceiling spot where the water has collected and the ceiling can’t support its weight any longer. If you have noticeable drippage occurring, we recommend calling an emergency repair professional to fix it or place a tarp on the roof before it turns into a much more serious situation.

If you have a roof leak caused by heavy rains, chances are you’re planning on reaching out to your insurance provider to file a claim to cover the cost of repairs. Before you do, make sure to contact the team at Reliant Adjusters Group. We’ll assist you in receiving the proper amount for your claim so you can get the necessary repairs made. We’ve made it our goal to provide homeowners with the best representation possible against insurance providers for their South Florida roof leak claim. Contact us today online or give us a call at (561) 929-9826 to learn more about how Reliant Adjusters Group can help you.