Hey Orlando Homeowners: Don’t Ignore These Signs of Roof Water Damage

Did you know that around 1 in 50 homes have a property damage claim each year because of water damage? When water gets into your home, it can cause damage to your belongings and lead to serious issues like mold and mildew growth. If left alone, eventually it can lead to structural damage as well. A damaged roof is one of the most common culprits of home water damage because it’s an area of your home that’s easy to overlook. Fortunately, you can be proactive by looking for signs of roof water damage to help keep your home in good shape.

Keep reading to learn more about the most common signs to look for during your next roof inspection.

Damaged Shingles

Here in central Florida, we’re no strangers to blistering summer heat. Eventually, living in the Sunshine State can take a toll on your roof, leading to cracked and blistered shingles. After prolonged exposure to the sun, the shingles on your roof can start to become brittle and break apart.

Not only does this eventually become an eyesore, but it also leaves your roof vulnerable to water damage during Orlando’s rainstorms. The next time you either look at your roof or hire a professional roof inspector, pay special attention to any damage to roof shingles to see if it’s time to replace them.

Water Spots on the Ceiling or Walls

If you suspect that your home has roof water damage, take a quick walk around your property. On the inside, look up at the ceiling to see if you notice any water spots. Outside, pay attention to the space where your roof and your exterior walls meet to see if you notice any water stains.

If you notice brown or black stains, you most likely have a leak in your roof. Unfortunately, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly where the leak originated. You should contact a roofing company like our team at His and Hers Roofing at the first sign of a leak to help prevent future damage from occurring.

Fortunately, if you need a roof replacement, you can expect to get between 56 and 60% back in added resale value, making it a great investment for your home.

Sagging Ceiling

Even if you don’t notice any water spots, your ceiling could still have signs of damage that you’re overlooking. As you inspect your home’s ceiling, look for sagging or bulging spots. While it’s easy to write this off as a non-serious, dry structural issue, the opposite could be true.

Often, a sagging, bulging ceiling is an indicator that there is water damage directly above the spot. In that case, you might never see any water stains, but your roof could be letting in more and more water each time it storms. If left unattended, eventually your ceiling will give way, leading to the need for more extensive water restoration services.

Active Leaks

In the case of more serious roof water damage, you may notice an active leak in your roof, instead of just sagging or water stains. In this case, you might see water running down the side of your walls or dripping onto the floor during a storm.

This is usually the most obvious sign of roof damage and something you’ll need to fix as soon as possible. If you can, go into your attic to try to determine the origin of the leak. Otherwise, you’ll want to hire a roofing repair company to help stop the leak before it causes more damage to your home.

Soft or Spongy Wood Decking

Speaking of your attic, that’s the first place you should visit if you suspect your roof has sustained water damage. While you’re up there, take a look at the wood decking. If it looks discolored, soft, or spongy, this is often a sign that it has water damage.

Spongy wood decking indicates that there’s a history of water damage, which will eventually lead to rotting. If you don’t take the time to repair it, it can cause structural damage to your roof, which could lead to serious property damage to your home and the belongings inside of it.

Debris on the Roof

The next time it storms, go outside afterward and take a look at your roof. Even if you can’t see visibly damaged shingles, there could still be the potential for water damage. If you notice debris sitting on your roof, like branches, it could be an indicator that there’s a chance of water damage because of the storm.

Fortunately, by inspecting your roof after every storm you can pinpoint possible damage right away. This means you can prevent issues down the road and save money. When your roof sustains minor damage, you’ll likely only need roof repairs instead of a full replacement.

Granules in the Gutter

While it’s important to look at your roof after a storm, don’t overlook your gutters in the process. If you see shingle granules in your gutters after rainfall, it could be a sign of damaged shingles that are susceptible to letting water into your home.

If you start to notice more and more granules in the gutters, you’ll need to start thinking about scheduling a roof replacement to help keep your home safe. However, depending on the age of your home, your roof may still be under warranty. Double-check with the manufacturer to see if any repairs or replacements are covered before scheduling a service.

Don’t Ignore These Signs of Roof Water Damage

After reading through this guide, you should better understand the most common signs of roof water damage. If you notice any of these issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the His and Her Roofing team. We proudly serve the Orlando area and always prioritize high-quality work and excellent customer service.

Contact us today to request a free roof inspection and have peace of mind that your home is in good hands.