Roof Repair
If your roof has begun leaking, your problems are just beginning. The roof is one of the most crucial structural and aesthetic features in any home. When you notice the signs of roof damage, it’s time to act and contact a roof repair company near you for roofing services.
Common signs of roof damage include:
- Broken shingles
- Ceiling stains
- Water damage
- Moss growth
When you clean your gutters, try to look at your roof’s condition as well. To assess your roof, try to view it from an outsider’s perspective. Take a photo of your home from different angles to see the condition of the shingles. Gather as much information as you can about the installation date of the roof, warranty details, and the type of roofing materials used. Most shingle warranties last between 20 and 50 years.
In Maryland, ice, snow, and falling tree limbs can cause a roof to leak or age prematurely. In this climate, we can also be at risk for wind damage during storms. If your shingles have become damaged, consider getting new cedar shakes and shingles.
If you’ve noticed a leak in the roof due to water coming through the ceiling, you might have missed the warning signs. But it’s possible to detect a roof leak before it happens. Roof damage repair can get more expensive the longer you wait. The following are some common leak scenarios and information on how to address them.
1. Stains on the Ceiling
If you notice any kind of discoloration on your ceiling, don’t ignore the problem, because you probably have a leaking roof. Even small patches of discoloration can be a sign of much larger problems. If you notice a stain on your ceiling, usually a yellow stain accompanied by an outer brown ring, you probably have a leak on your hands. Leaks in the ceiling usually come from a hole in the roof, but they might also be a sign of plumbing problems, missing siding, or a masonry leak.
One thing is certain: ignoring evidence of a leaky roof will cause more expensive problems in the future. Many homes in the Baltimore area have older roofs that need to be repaired or replaced.
2. Paint Bubbles
If a leak isn’t fixed right away, the paint on your ceiling will eventually start to bubble. If this happens, get a bucket, puncture the bubbles with a pin, and catch the water. Once you let the water out, you still need to figure out where the water was coming from.
If you need to go in the attic, put a few boards down (perpendicular to the joists) to make sure you don’t fall through the ceiling. Sheetrock is designed to hold water, so you will likely have a mess to clean up. Look for the source of the water and repair the leak as quickly as possible.
3. Water Dripping from Light Fixtures
If water is dripping from your light fixtures and ceiling fans, the first step is to turn off your electricity from the main breaker box. The breaker may have already tripped, but it’s a good idea to be certain.
If you live in an apartment, take a video of the leaking roof and notify management immediately. To avoid electrocution, do not touch any of the dripping appliances, light switches, or water on the floor.
4. Mold and Mildew
One of the most serious problems associated with roof leaks is the growth of mold and mildew. Mold is not only unattractive, but it can cause respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and other health problems. Mold reproduces quickly and can spread around your house. Mold can affect your home’s insulation and damage sheetrock, ceiling tiles, and walls. Roof leaks cause clumps in your home’s insulation which become a breeding ground for mold spores.
5. Wrinkled Wallpaper and Cracking Ceiling Paint
If your wallpaper or ceiling paint is wrinkled or disintegrating, this may be a sign that your roof is leaking. Water can get absorbed in wood, drywall, insulation, and wallpaper. It can even cause damage around windows which would require window replacement services.
You may also have an issue with weak flashing. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse. Your leaking roof is going to cause damage. When paint starts to crumble, you can expect your roof to start leaking if it hasn’t already.
EC Roofing & Home Services Direct
Roof maintenance is essential for any homeowner. The sooner you start addressing issues with your roof, the sooner you can stop worrying about them. Contact EC Roofing at 410-455-9880 to learn more about our roof repair services today.
