Warning Signs of a Roof Leak to Heed
A faint water stain making its way across the ceiling? You may be left to wonder what is behind your energy bills going up with no explanation. Or perhaps the thought of a minor drip becoming an expensive fix after one of the Lowcountry’s storms gives you pause.
Those concerns are common, but there is no need to face them by yourself; an early detection of a leak will put thousands in your pocket. Restoration Roofing has been on hand for homeowners in the Charleston area to do just that since 2019. We are a family and locally run operation in Mount Pleasant and the rest of the Lowcountry. Give us a ring at (843) 940-7883.
For the most part roof leaks are not dramatic affairs. They have a way of being quiet about it, biding their time in the attic or behind your walls for weeks before any damage is apparent. It is better to know what is there and deal with it while it is still a small matter.
What to Look for Inside the Home
You will see some of the first indications without having to get on a ladder. Be on the lookout for:
- Yellow, brown or copper hued stains on wall or ceiling
- Paint that is peeling or wallpaper bubbling up high on the wall
- A room or hallway with a musty odour you can not seem to get rid of
- Any mold or mildew in evidence, in a closet or corner for instance
- Dampness in the attic or drips following a hard rain
- A soft spot on the ceiling where it sags
Should you come across any of these, make a move. What appears to be a modest stain could be masking something more in the framing overhead.
Exterior Indicators
If you put some care into it, the roof will tell you what is going on. These are the red flags to watch for from the ground:
- Shingles that are curling, cracked or gone
- Your gutters full of granules from the asphalt shingles
- Rusted or otherwise compromised flashing at the vents, skylights and chimney
- The roofline sagging in places
- Gutters that have pulled away and are not doing their job of moving water off
- In the attic, daylight coming through the boards
Roofs in the Charleston Lowcountry endure their share of heat and humidity and the heavy storms we have here. One bout of strong winds can put a dent in the flashing or lift a shingle and you would not know it until the leaking starts.
How a Minor Leak Becomes Major
It is the nature of a roof leak to expand. Water will go where it is easiest, so a drip by the chimney can make its way over the rafters and leave a mark in another room altogether. Left to it, the moisture will rot out the wood and ruin your insulation, and mold will thrive in the dampness.
The problem is not confined to the roof either. Once water gets to the floors and walls of the home it is a question of safety and value. An oversight can turn an inexpensive repair into the need for a new roof.
Making the Call to a Pro
There is no reason to put yourself to the task of sorting it all out. An inspection by a pro is the sensible thing to do if you have observed the above. We put together a free estimate which includes our 21-point on-site inspection to be sure we do not miss anything.
We are licensed in South Carolina (RBS 67027) and carry full liability and workers comp insurance for your protection when our people are on site. Our focus is roofing and gutters, nothing else, and we do storm damage and emergency work as well as general repairs.
We will also see an insurance claim through from the documentation and meeting with the adjuster to the settlement. Should the leak be storm related we can shoulder that for you. And we have financing options, as well as a bilingual team who are happy to assist. Se habla español.
We do not put in business hours when it comes to leaks, we are here 24/7. A call to us means a same day response on estimates so you are not standing by while the water does its work.
Make sure a little drip does not end up a big regret. See any of the signs mentioned here? Contact the Restoration Roofing team in Charleston at (843) 940-7883. We are ready to have a look at your roof and put your mind at ease.
