You suspect that your roof has water damage, but are not sure. What are some steps you can take to make an informed decision? Water damage demands immediate action, not calculated guesses. In addition, finding a roof leak can be problematic because the signs may indicate one location when the actual leak is in another location. Not only can roof leaks cause structural damage to your home, un-repaired leaks can lead to mold and mildew which, in turn, can cause health problems.

Indoor & Outdoor Inspection
An outdoor and indoor inspection can help you find problem areas before they become leaks. Check the fascia and exterior walls, usually at the seams. Missing or damaged shingles which may be curled, cracked or torn, can be repaired if it covers less than 30% of the entire roof. Look for curling, loss of granulation, mold or decay. Learning the basics about your roofing material can help you spot damage.
During the indoor inspection, look for:

• Moisture marks
• Brown, yellow, or grey stains
• Peeling paint on walls or ceilings
• Damp rafters.
• The presence of mold and mildew can cause an odor and/or block spots. Some drywall materials actually soak up water like a sponge.

If you have a sudden surge in energy costs, that could indicate your roof ventilation has problems.

Flashings
According to dryhome.com, 90% of all leaks happen at flashings. Flashings are easily repaired or replaced, so check around chimneys, vents, skylights, wall/roof junctions, antennas and satellite dishes. Chimney flashings settle independently from the house which causes tearing. These should be checked regularly during a roof inspection and gutter cleaning.

Gutters
Decay or rust on gutters, leaky seams, bent or sagging or missing sections of gutter or downspout can cause inadequate drainage. Clogged gutters can freeze shut in winter which causes excessive weight on fasteners and ice dam conditions.

Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for long roof life. Blocked ventilation can cause heat and moisture to build up in an attic, causing rafters and sheathing to rot, shingles to buckle and insulation to be ineffective. The NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) recommends a minimum of 1 square foot of free vent area for each 150 square feet of attic floor, with vents placed proportionately at the eaves and at or near the ridge.

Water Stains
Water stains are always an indication that there is a roof leak. Finding the exact location of the leak may be difficult due to the fact that water can enter the roof at one point but then runs down to the location of the leak. Or the leak is higher up but the water soaks into the ceiling at another point farther down the roof. In addition, some stains may be difficult to see because they occur in hidden or dark corners. Upon finding a discoloration or water stain on the ceiling or walls, investigate further for mold or mildew.

Drips
Drips also indicate a roof leak, even if it goes away. Ice dams are caused by freezing and thawing of melted snow and ice which has moved under the shingles and then freezes again. This blocks proper drainage into the gutters. Gutters and downspouts which are not keep free of debris will cause water to back up under the roof shingles.

Trees & Bushes
Trees and bushes can cause moss and algae to grown on shingles and shakes, causing rot and deterioration. They can also scratch and/or gouge the roof, and falling branches can damage or puncture shingles or other roofing material. Trimming trees and bushes away from the home will lessen dampness and keep debris from the roof and gutters.

Finding roof damage before a leak appears is always a homeowners first choice. A professional roof inspection can save homeowners thousands of dollars by spotting minor damage. Keeping the roof in good condition by regular inspections and replacing missing or torn shingles and replacing torn flashing is a priority. Repairing a roof without water damage will save the homeowner time and money. In addition, a trained roofing professional has the tools and techniques to check your roof safely.

According to Angie's List, there are six signs which indicate it's time to call in a professional:

1. Excessive granule loss
2. Loose or missing shingles
3. Water stains on roof decking
4. Shingle pops (Shingles that appear to rise above the flat surface of the rest of the roof)
5. Cracked, loose or worn flashing or gaskets around protrusions like vent stacks and chimneys
6. Roof age

Suspected roof leaks should not be ignored. Delaying action on a roof leak can cause extensive damage to your entire home, including the ceiling, walls, and even the foundation. Because water damage can manifest itself in many different ways and locations, it is important to know where and what to look for when it comes to identifying water damage.

Harper Roofing offers a free roof inspection in the Charleston area. We will inspect your roof and give you an honest assessment of what is needed.We are a preferred contractor with The Better Business Bureau, carrying an A+ rating. We have a long history of satisfied customers, including a 5 star rating on Houzz.
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We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Harper Roofing Charleston as the author and a link to our website http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com, The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/harper-roofing-charleston-blog/signs-your-roof-has-sustained-water-damage. Email us with any questions.

​Sources Cited:
www.dryhome.com
www.angieslist.com
www.resolvebylowes.com
www.huffingtonpost.com
www.harryhelmet.com

 A leaky roof is serious business because, if left unattended, it can cause major damage to your home. In addition, the sooner a leak is attended to, the less chance of more expensive repairs down the road. According to fixr.com, minor leaks can lead to damage such as mold, rotted framing and sheathing, damaged insulation and ceilings. Some of the most common causes of a leaky roof are broken shingles, cracked vent booting or flashing, gutters that are clogged, condensation in the attic or a cracked chimney. Some leaks can be difficult to find. Hiring a professional to do a thorough roof inspection is important, especially after a severe weather event.

A roofing contractor usually charges around $3 per square foot for leak repair or $45 to $75 per hour. The labor hours range between 8 - 16, making the repair cost range from $360 to $1200. If your roof is steeper than average, repair costs can increase by 20% or more. This is also true if your roof has many architectural details to work around. You also may need to buy a permit from your county or homeowners association, without which you could be heavily fined. Permit fees average around $75.

REPAIR VS. REPLACEMENT?
Replacing shingles can be a relatively easy and inexpensive job. However, even if you saved some spare shingles from a previous roof replacement, this patch job will probably not match the rest of the roof. This may be a relatively small consideration if your roof is not very old and will extend its life for ten or fifteen years unless you plan to sell your home. A prominent patch can be a negative selling point.

If the damage is confined to one side of the roof, a partial re-roofing can cost thousands of dollars less than an entire replacement. This can make the color differences less noticeable. Partial re-roofing can be more expensive on a cost per square than a total replacement and all layers will need to be removed. This can add to the cost and result in a lopsided effect due to the old roof being a couple of inches higher than the new side.

According to Angieslist.com, the determining factors on whether to fix or replace your roof are the following:

• ROOF AGE - Most roofs will last between 20 and 25 years, depending on whether you have one or more layers of shingles and the ventilation.
• SHINGLES CURLING /BUCKLING - Curling shingles that are losing granules indicate they need to be replaced. It could also mean the roof is defective.
• ROOF VALLEYS - Missing or damaged shingles in the roof valleys is a sign a roof replacement is needed.
• MISSING SHINGLES/ SHINGLE GRANULES IN THE GUTTERS - These are signs your roof is failing. Lost granules indicate shingles are at the end of their life cycle. Darker color on parts of the roof is also a sign granules are wearing away.
• ROOF BOARDS SHOWING DAYLIGHT - Daylight showing through the roof boards, a spongy feel when walking on the roof, or moisture in the insulation are all indications a new roof is needed.

Even if only part of your roof is showing damage or wear, it may be smart to consider roof replacement. The roofing contractor and crew will already be on-site with scaffolding, ladders, and other equipment. Replacing the entire roof with most likely be less expensive than doing one side now and the other in a few years.

According to bobvila.com, if you do decide to replace your roof, choosing to tear off the old roof or install the new roof over the existing one is another decision you will have to make. Installing the new roof over the existing one will save you a little money now but runs the risk of greater expenses in the future. The International Residential Code (R907.3) states that a new roof cannot be installed over two or more applications of any type of roof covering. Much of this has to do with the weight on the structure of your home. Covering a roof with 1,500 square feet of shingles is almost equal to the weight of a two-ton SUV. Removing the old shingles will allow you to inspect the roof deck and sheathing for damage, plus the shingles adhere better if fastened directly to the roof deck. This will also allow you to check for wood rot and the presence of inadequate sheathing fasteners. Additionally, starting with an undamaged roof deck allows you the option of adding an ice-and-water shield membrane along the eaves.

Having your roof inspected every one to two years is a good way to protect your roof from potential problems. Having your roof inspected after any severe weather event will also catch any damage before it becomes even more extensive.

Harper Roofing offers a free, no obligation roof inspection in the Charleston area. We will show up on time and give an honest assessment on the condition of your roof.

If you found this information helpful click "Like" or "Share" below and post this to your social media pages. Your "Likes" and "Shares" help others like you find the information they need.
We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to, Harper Roofing Charleston as the author and a link to our website http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/. The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-leaky-roof. Email us with any questions.