An insurance claim for water damage will cost a homeowner on average more than $10,000.
That’s why it’s absolutely necessary to detect water damage early before it becomes a major problem with many repairs. When you can spot the signs of roof water damage quickly, you’ll be able to get the professional help you need.
Hopefully, that will be able to save you money in the long run.
The first step is always recognition of the problem. Read on to find the top seven ways to see water damage in your home.
1. Water Spots
One of the most obvious signs of water damage is visible water spots. That likely means that there is water on the ceiling, either from the roof or pipes in the ceiling.
Water spots can look a little differently depending on the type of leak. But more often than not, they are a discolored (usually brown) circular stain on the drywall. It can have a variety of colors depending on if areas have dried or not.
The water spot can also be on both ceiling and the wall if the leak has expanded that far.
If you see a water spot it’s a very clear indication of some type of water damage with very few other explanations. You need to call a professional immediately.
2. Indoor Puddles
Another very obvious sign that you’re going to need water restoration services is puddles in your home.
That is clearly not supposed to happen and can only happen from a few sources. It could be a hole in the roof, a leaky pipe in the wall, or an overflowed sink or tub. Whatever the source is, there will likely be water damage.
The first step you need to take when you find a large amount of water on your floor is to remove as much of it as possible.
This is where the professionals and their tools come in and dry everything out quickly.
3. Shingle Damage
A much less obvious sign of water damage is damage to the shingles on your roof. This is a harder way to catch water damage because it can be caused by many different things and also look very different.
Sometimes the shingles will be completely missing or have holes in them. Other times they have just become wavy and don’t lay flat as they’re supposed to.
Obviously, the damage can come from wind or other debris hitting the roof. But often it is a sign of water damage caused by the weather and continued exposure. Since there can be so many causes and hard to pinpoint, it’s a good time to utilize a professional.
4. Soft Exterior Wood
If you have wood on the exterior of your home, whether for siding, a deck, or accent pieces, that’s a good place to watch for signs of water damage.
The most obvious sign of water damage in wood is rotting areas. There are visible signs but it also will feel soft when being walked on. This is an obvious safety hazard since the soft spots can turn into holes with too much pressure.
There are a lot of ways to fix areas with wood rot on your exterior. But the most important thing is to find the root cause.
It may not be a leak but you definitely want to find it if it is.
5. Mold and Mildew
Possibly the worst side effect of water damage is the mold and mildew that can grow out of the excess moisture.
Mold typically grows quickly in these situations but it can easily go undetected for a long period of time. When that happens there can be serious consequences for the health of those living in the house.
Many of the other signs of water damage are annoying and unsightly. But mold and mildew can be dangerous if not taken care of properly.
The one benefit of having mold or mildew is that it generally is an easy marker of where the problem is originating.
6. Obvious Holes
When there is a sudden leak it just might have enough power to cause a hole in the drywall or roof.
These are less common but also more serious, for obvious reasons. This likely means that the whole pipe has burst or you’re having major roofing issues. Either way, a hole is a definite sign that you’re having water problems.
Some people will experience a bubble of sorts where the water has leaked through the drywall but is then caught by the layers on top of that.
The best thing to do in either of those situations is to call a professional as there is obviously major damage done behind both.
7. Changes in Energy Bills
An unexpected sign of water damage on your roof is an increase in your monthly energy bill.
When things aren’t sealed off properly, air doesn’t circulate the way it’s supposed to. In turn, your HVAC system will have to use more power to work harder to keep your temperature regulated.
Since we’re not all on our roofs on a regular basis, it can be hard to complete regular inspections. And that’s how water damage can be missed.
But keeping an eye on your energy bill and then checking all possible reasons for an increase can help you find the unexpected cause of your problems.
Watch for These Signs of Roof Water Damage
There are so many benefits to being a homeowner. But it also comes with the responsibility to manage and take care of the property.
That’s not a bad job most of the time but it can quickly turn into a very expensive problem if you don’t notice issues fast enough. Which is why you should be able to recognize the signs of roof water damage.
When you know what to look for, you’re more likely to see things and get them repaired before the problem spreads too far.
If you have noticed any of these signs, contact us today to start the repair process!
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