A leaking roof is always a problem. It is inconvenient, messy, and it can cost a lot to repair. But is it an emergency? It can be, depending on how severe the leak is. A bad leak can end up causing a lot of damage if it is not stopped in time. Fortunately, there are signs to look out for before the leak gets so bad that it has to be declared an emergency. Look out for these signs and call a licensed roof repair specialist like Jackson Contracting Inc. to take care of the problem before it gets out of hand.
Discoloration of the Ceiling
If you notice that parts of the roof begin to change to a darker color after a heavy rain has fallen, then that is a sign that your roof may have a leak. Water from the rainfall leaks through the roof and into the ceiling where it gets stopped by the underlayment. That will cause the water to pond and eventually overflow and then start dripping into the ceiling and sometimes, down the walls.
Even worse is that if the rain persists, the leak will get bigger, causing all the problems to get worse. Once you notice the discoloration, you should call a roof repair specialist to fix the problem as soon as possible.
Shingles on the Roof are Curling, Damaged, or Missing
You should conduct an inspection of your roof on a regular basis. You can do it yourself if you have the right equipment and exercise some caution, or you can have a professional roof inspector check it out for you. However you decide to conduct the inspection, you or the inspector should look out for shingles that show significant visual damage, or are missing altogether.
Damaged or missing shingles are signs that the roof could end up leaking if the damage gets any worse. Not only could the leaks cause damage, but the roof could also end up needing to be replaced. That could end up causing a lot of money and result in a lot of inconveniences. So it is important to nip that problem in the bud as soon as it occurs.
Mold and Algae Buildup Near the Leak Site
If algae starts to grow near where you know or think that a leak is present, then that is a very concerning sign that you have a serious leak. Things can get even worse if you discover that mold is growing on your ceiling or walls because that could present a serious health hazard. Mold grows in places that are moist and humid, so a leaking roof provides an environment that is perfect for the growth of mold.
The extent of the mold growth determines whether you can call the roof leak responsible for the mold an emergency or not. If there is only a small amount of mold, then you can wipe it away with a wet cloth. However, sometimes a small amount of mold on one side of the ceiling or wall could indicate that there is a big patch of mold on the other side. At any sign of mold, contact a specialist to perform an inspection so that you know the extent of the problem. Also, make sure to contact a roof repair specialist to fix the roof leak to prevent that problem from recurring.
Don’t Let A Roof Leak Become an Emergency!
A roof leak can be serious but it will only become an emergency if you neglect it for too long. If that happens, then you could end up with a whole host of problems. And those problems could end up costing you a lot more money than an inspection and repair would have. So don’t waste any time if you suspect your roof might have a leak and call a roof repair specialist right away.
