One of the most common issues in residential and commercial roofing systems is leaks. When you encounter this problem, you need to deal with it immediately before it causes water damage to your roof and other parts of your home or building. Fortunately, you can prevent this problem by maintaining your roof regularly. 



Roof Leak


Keep reading to find out how you’ll know if your roof has leaks. 


Your Shingles Are Missing or Damaged

Damaged shingles can harm your home’s curb appeal and eventually cause leaks. Sometimes, signs of problems are not apparent until water starts leaking indoors. With routine roof inspections and by addressing issues before they worsen, you can avoid significant roof damage. Also, after a weather event, you should get a professional inspection even if your roof seems fine.


There Are Water Stains on Your Ceilings and Walls

Are there dark stains on your ceilings and walls? If this is the case, it’s best to contact a reliable residential or commercial roofing professional because you might be dealing with a leak. Locating the source of the leak isn’t usually the easiest of tasks. Sometimes, it’s even more difficult to find where water is coming from than performing repairs. Even if you believe that leak is small, you should still have it checked and fixed by an experienced roofer. Over time, even a minor leak can cause costly problems, such as mold, rot, insulation and ceiling damage. 


Mold or Moss Is Growing on Your Exterior Walls

The presence of mold or moss on the exterior of your home can be a sign that your roof is leaking. When left unaddressed, this issue will cause water to eventually travel indoors. An early sign of this problem is dampness on the exterior walls. If you find that your outside walls are damp, inspect the gutters, downspouts and other roofing components above it for problems. 


Your Gutters Are Rusting or Deteriorating

Gutters help keep various parts of your home in good shape, including the roof. It’s just one reason to take proper care of your gutter system. When it’s deteriorating or in poor condition, water can back up to the roof and seep into the shingles. It can also risk your basement, foundation, and landscaping damage. 


If your gutters have issues, such as rust, be sure to have them repaired immediately. You can prevent clogging by having the system routinely cleaned. However, if your gutters are beyond repair, you may need to have them replaced. 


Your Roof Vents Are Broken

Proper ventilation is necessary for your roof to stay efficient and last longer. Plastic roof vents can be prone to cracks, and metal ones can break on the seams. Unfortunately, damaged roof vents can’t be repaired and would need to be replaced. Moreover, missing or pulled nails on the bottom edge of the vents’ base must be replaced with rubber washer screws. 


You Have Clogged or Dirty Soffits

Another important attic ventilation component is soffits. They bring outdoor air into the attic while warm air leaves through roof vents. When air enters the soffit, it typically travels through an opening along the roof’s underside into the attic. These openings must remain clear to ensure efficient attic and roof ventilation. If they are dirty or have clogs, heat and moisture buildup can occur, leading to issues such as mold, mildew, rot and poor indoor air quality. 


Insufficient ventilation can also cause your HVAC system to work harder than it should to keep you comfortable. When this happens, your energy costs can increase, and your equipment may be more prone to malfunctions. You can ensure your roof stays well-ventilated by having it checked by professionals regularly. If you have leaks or need storm damage repair, make sure to deal with them as soon as possible. 


You Have Missing Gutter Apron

Water can stay under the shingles and move toward the facia as to flows off the roof edge. Without a gutter apron, water will proceed behind the gutters. It will not take long before the soffit, fascia and roof sheathing rots. A common sign that your gutter apron is missing is water stains below the gutter on the soffit and fascia.  


The Flashing Around Your Chimney Is Rusting

Protrusions on your roof, such as vents and chimneys, are more vulnerable to leaks. They require proper flashing, so they will not cause water to destroy your indoor spaces. Galvanized steel flashing on chimneys can be prone to rust, especially at the 90-degree bend at the bottom. While it could be tempting to repair or replace rusted chimney flashing, this job is best handled by a professional. Replacing damaged flashing can be a tricky task to do. For your safety and to avoid further damage, hire an experienced roofer. 


You’ve Noticed Stains Around a Bathroom Fan

Have you recently noticed that there are stains around your bathroom fan? It could be that your roof’s vent cap is leaking. The stains can also be caused by condensation due to an under-insulated bath fan. Without proper insulation, condensation can occur inside the ducts due to the warm, humid air from your living spaces. 


Your Plumbing Vent Boots Are Damaged

Plumbing vent boots can come in plastic and metal, a two-piece metal unit or all-plastic. During an inspection, your roofer should inspect the base of the vent boots for cracks and broken seams. Over time, this component can deteriorate, causing water to penetrate your home along the pipe. A compromised vent boot usually needs replacement. However, if it is in good condition, but has missing or pulled nails at the base, the nails should be replaced with rubber wash screws used for metal roofs. 


Whether you need roof repairs or new siding, Hershey Exteriors, Inc is here to help. We specialize in residential and commercial roof repair and installation. We also specialize in siding, windows, seamless gutters and gutter guards. Give us a call at (302) 569-9039, or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.