7 Warning Signs Your Orlando Home Needs Roof Inspection

Florida is one of the rainiest states in America. This means you’re more likely to find a creeping water stain or spot some black-green mold on your walls. 

The following outlines seven of the most common signs you need a roof inspection. Look over your walls, ceilings, and roof often to make sure you’re not finding any of these. 

1. Leaks

Leaks may seem like an obvious sign that you need to inspect your roof, but often they go unnoticed. If you have an attic, the leak may go undetected for months or even years. It all depends on how regularly you look things over. 

Orlando gets about 52 inches of rain each year, well above the national average. So it’s important to check your roof often, especially after those hard summer showers.

Go up to the attic shortly after a storm and check for signs of roof leaks. Look for dampness, dripping, or deteriorating insulation. If you do spot signs of a leaky roof, don’t hesitate to call a roof inspection company. 

2. Rising AC Bill

An air conditioning bill that is climbing higher and higher may also be a sign that your roof is damaged. Though windows and doors play a big role in insulating your home, the roof does, too. 

When your roof is not insulated properly or has been hit hard by a storm, outside air can sneak inside. You may notice this the most during the summer when you’re using your air conditioning more often. 

3. Mold on Your Walls or Ceiling

Orlando ranks as one of the most humid cities in America. So it’s not all that uncommon to find mildew or mold on your ceiling or walls. If you do spot growth in your home, it may be a sign your roof is leaking. 

When extra moisture escapes through a leaky roof and becomes trapped, mold and bacteria can grow. But before you call any roof inspection services, know that it may not be a sign of a leaky roof. 

Mold and mildew can also indicate issues with plumbing or condensation. So your best course of action would be to try and find the source of the mold. Inspect your insulation, pipes, and all water fixtures. 

If you’re not sure what that discoloration on your walls is, here’s a quick look at what might be growing.

If it’s mold, it will likely be brown or dark green. Mold tends to look wet and slimy and has a strong, unpleasant smell. Mold tends to grow wood, drywall, and other materials that can take in moisture.

If it’s mildew, it will be more of a light grey or black color and look a bit like powder. Mildew spreads quickly along moist, warm surfaces. Long exposure to mildew can cause health issues.

It may also be algae, in which case it will be green or black. Algae more commonly shows up outside as it eats away at your roof tiles. Algae can also nest in your gutters and can cause roof rot.

4. Wet Spots

Wet spots on your roof are almost always a sign of a leak. They’ll look like water stains and often occur in the corners. In some cases, the stains may extend down your walls, too. 

This is more than a small cosmetic problem. Water stains can be a sign that excess water is collecting beneath your roof. Over time, that part of your roof can collapse. 

The water can damage your insulation and drywall, too. You don’t want to wait on this. If you see signs of water staining, inspect your roof and get it fixed. 

5. Missing Shingles

Missing shingles is one of the more common signs of roof damage. You may notice shingles or tiles missing after a big storm. If this is the case, assess whether you need to simply replace or repair the missing pieces.

It may not be that entire shingles are missing, either. You may notice black debris or bits of tile in your gutters or on your lawn. This can also be a sign that you need new shingles.

6. Bubbling Paint

Your first indication that your roof is leaking may be through your paint or wallpaper. If water is collecting within your walls, your paint may start to bubble. Your wallpaper may start to separate from the wall or become stained. 

Make sure the bubble wasn’t caused by poor wallpaper application or cheap paint. Wallpaper may bubble if the bond between the paper and the wall isn’t strong enough. Or because the paste wasn’t smoothed out as you put up the wallpaper. 

But if you can rule out those other causes, don’t wait for the bubble to grow. Call someone to look it over.

7. Storm Damage

Florida homeowners are no stranger to storms. Each year, at least one hurricane or tropical storm hits Florida. These high-wind events can wreak havoc on your home, causing extensive roofing damage. 

Even the least aggressive tropical storms can damage your roof and cause it to leak. In many cases, these storms may require you to do a full roof replacement. 

If you’ve gone through a storm and things seem alright overall, have your roof inspected anyway. You can do this yourself to start. Check for missing tiles, shingles, or signs of structural harm. 

Then check your attic for leaking, moisture, or water damage. If you find anything, call a professional.

Roof Inspection in Orlando

Roof inspection is key to catching any signs of damage early. At the end of the day, it’s better to make sure your roof is in perfect working condition.  

If you’re noticing potential signs of wear on your roof, don’t hesitate. Give us a call or get in touch here to schedule a consultation.