A leaky roof can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, as moisture damage from leaks can significantly affect the home’s interior and structural elements, resulting in costly repairs. What should you do if you discover a leak, and does it mean the roof needs replacing?
Signs Your Roof Is Leaking
Although you might think a leaky roof is a pretty obvious thing and in some cases it is, there can be times when your roof is leaking and you don’t know about it. You may not realise the roof has been damaged or deteriorated. Keeping an eye out for the most common signs of a roof leak can help to prevent or minimise further damage, here are a few things to look out for.
- Moisture And/Or Mould In The Roof Space Or On Insulation. Mould is a sure sign of moisture. This is because mould spores need moisture to grow and reproduce. So if you find mould anywhere in the home it means you have a moisture problem. In the case of your roof, this is usually found in the roof space, either on the framing, insulation or ceiling GIB.
- Loose Sealant Or Flashing Around Vents And Chimneys. Loose or missing sealant around roof vents, chimneys, joins and edges are a sure sign that your roof has the potential for leakage. Although these areas may seem small and insignificant in the context of the entire roofing system – they are vital to maintaining water tightness.
- Damp Areas. Any obvious signs of dampness or excessive condensation can be an easy way to spot a leaky roof. The roof system is designed to be the home’s first defence against the elements, keeping the home warm and dry – if it is compromised, water is going to get in!
- Clogged Or Slow Draining Downspouts And Gutters. Gutters that are blocked or clogged up with debris are a common cause of water damage in the home. The roof’s guttering system is designed to carry water away from the home so it makes sense that if it is blocked up water will get into places it is not meant to. Keeping your gutters and downpipes clean is the easiest way to avoid this issue.
- Musty Odours. One of the first things many people notice when identifying leaks is an unexplained musty smell in one or more areas of the home. Particularly useful when there are no visible signs of water damage, musty odours are often the key to unearthing hidden leaks and preventing further damage.
- Water Stains on Your Ceiling. Light brown-coloured stains or watermarks located on the internal ceilings and/or walls is one of the most obvious ways to identify water damage. Water stains are usually distinguishable from their darker outline and pale-coloured discolouration in the centre. Water stains on the ceiling and walls are likely due to a leaky roof but could also be from plumbing located in the walls and roof space so it is essential to investigate immediately.
- Bulging GIB Or Plasterboard. If you find soft-to-touch, sagging, bubbling or bulging areas of plasterboard in the home, there’s a good chance it’s due to water damage. The importance of addressing this disfiguration promptly should be stressed, as replacing and repairing GIB walls and ceilings can be an extensive process, not to mention the potential for further damage to framing and flooring.
- Damaged Roofing Tiles. It is important to check your roofing tiles regularly to ensure they haven’t moved out of place, cracked, warped or been damaged in any way. If your tiles are damaged there is a much higher chance that water will penetrate through the roof system. Routine inspections and maintenance will catch these issues early on, avoiding costly repairs in the future.
- Visible Rust. The appearance of rust around vents, guttering, and nails or screws is a sure sign your metal roofing system is beginning to fail. Any areas of rust are likely to result in leaks it’s just a matter of time. Early signs of rust provide an excellent warning signal that it may be time to repair or replace your roof in the near future.
- Discoloured Areas On Exterior Walls. Just like your interior walls, any unexplained discolouration on your exterior walls is also a bad sign for the integrity of your roof system. This could include stains, loose or rotting cladding, warped materials and dampness. External leaks can be an indication of issues with guttering, flashing, roof joins or problems with where the roof meets the wall.
- Damaged Or Warped Flashing. Flashing is perhaps one of the most essential factors in maintaining the water tightness of the roofing system. It is designed to cover and protect the more difficult areas of the roof, preventing water from entering, such as joins, valleys, ridges and edges. If the flashing is damaged or warped it will mean water is able to get into places it shouldn’t, causing considerable internal damage to the home.
First 5 Steps If Your Roof Is Leaking
Knowing what to do next is important if you have discovered a leak in your roof. As in most situations, it is always best to call in the professionals for assistance however, there are a few immediate actions you can take to minimise any further damage.
- Take Action. The most important thing to remember when discovering a leak is that leaks do not go away on their own – they only get worse! It is best to take action straight away to avoid further damage and even more costly repairs.
- Catch The Water. If you are in big trouble and there is water dripping from the ceiling, grab a bucket or large pot and catch as much of the water as you can.
- Puncture The Ceiling. In an emergency leak situation where the ceiling plasterboard or materials are bulging with water, it is likely water is pooling on that spot creating excessive pressure, which could result in the whole ceiling collapsing. To prevent this, it is advisable to puncture the ceiling to allow the water to escape while catching it in a bucket or large container.
- Cover Your Roof. Under extenuating circumstances where repairs are likely to take an extended length of time or extreme weather prevents roofers from accessing the site it is advisable to cover the roof or area where the leak has occurred with a heavy tarpaulin. This will prevent the worst of the weather from entering the roof and causing further damage while you wait for the professionals.
- Take A Look In The Roof Space. Get up in the roof space and see if you can determine the source of the leak. In some cases, this may just be a loose tile, leaky pipe or other easily fixable issue. Where possible, identifying where the leak is coming from will also assist the roofers in their immediate repair efforts.
Leak Clean Up Process
Cleaning up after a leak isn’t a fun job at the best of times, but it is an important step in preventing further damage such as contamination and mould growth. Here are a few basic steps you can take to clean up after water damage in the home.
- Document It. Take notes – this includesthe location of the leak, photos of both the leak and any damage, write down dates and times as well as any further information you might need for insurance purposes.
- Remove The Water. Open the windows,hire a wet vac and dehumidifier to help dry out the dampness or water damage. The longer the water sits, the more likely it is to cause further problems such as mould growth and musty smells.
- Disinfect And Clean. Lingering dampness can lead to mould and mildew growth, disinfecting the affected surfaces will reduce the likelihood of this occurring.
Does My Roof Have To Be Replaced If It Is Leaking?
The short answer for this one is – no. The presence of a leak does not immediately mean your whole roof needs to be replaced. A complete roof replacement is usually only required if there is widespread damage to the roofing system and if the roof has reached the end of its useful life (older than 20 -30 years).
Generally speaking, repairs will sufice if the leak is localised, for example, if it is caused by faulty flashing or a small section of damage such as broken tiles. To know for sure, you should always consult with a reliable roofing contractor who will provide a professional assessment of the overall damage. Working with a professional is faster, safer, and offers a better guarantee that the leak will be properly taken care of over the longer term.
As an important rule, always remember even though a leak does not always point directly to a full roof replacement, do not delay repairs as further issues and costs could arise if left untreated.
When Is A Roof Repair Sufficient For A Leaking Roof?
We all know leaks can be deceiving. What appears as a small discolouration or patch of mould can be an indicator of significant hidden damage. There are a number of factors to consider when deciding if a roof will need to be replaced or repaired.
- Leak Size. Small, isolated leaks are good candidates for repair because a small leak can typically be easily patched. Larger leaking areas or leaks appearing in multiple places mean a full replacement is more likely needed to ensure better value for money and full protection moving forward.
- Roof Age. Newer roofs are less likely to need full replacement as the damage is less likely to be extensive enough to warrant it. In the case of a roof older than 20-30 years, full replacement may be the preferred long term option.
- Cause Of The Leak. Sealant and flashing issues are usually easily repaired, whereas rust, cracking or breakages typically call for closer evaluation. If the majority of the roofing system is at fault it is more likely that professionals will lean towards a full replacement.
- Overall Damage. The extent of the damage incurred is always a determining factor in a roof replacement. If there is significant damage to structural timber within the roofing system, such as extensive rot, breakages and moisture damage, a full replacement might be the more cost-effective option.
Remember that a leaking roof is often a sign of bigger problems, and immediate action is the best course of action to prevent further damage. If you have concerns about your roof or suspect a leak, get in touch with a trustworthy roofing contractor like the team at Action Reroofing immediately for a free assessment.
