How to Identify Roof Water Damage

Roof water damage is a common issue homeowners face, especially in New England. The good news is that there are a number of warning signs that will signal water damage. This means you can be prepared if the situation arises and make the necessary repairs before the damage worsens.



Stains on Ceiling

In most cases, water damage will cause stains inside your home. These will vary in size depending on the extent of the water damage, but they are typically easily identifiable. If you do see a stain, it is important to act quickly before the water sets in and potentially causes more permanent, severe damage. 

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure if the stain on the ceiling is due to a new or old leak, you can trace the outline with a pencil. Next time it rains, check the stain to see if it has grown past the outline you drew. If so, that means there is a new leak!

Mold or Mildew Scent Inside Your Home

If you discover a mold or mildew scent inside your home, there is a good chance it is related to water damage in your roof. Upon discovering this scent, check your attic. Check the entire attic for mildew and black mold. If you have a less severe case, it may be harder to spot, so it is important that you do a thorough inspection. If you do stumble across any mold damage, the good news is that your homeowner’s insurance will most likely cover the costs of the repair, but the repair process is far more extensive and time-consuming. If there is mold damage the contractor will need to remove the roof, plywood, and insulation and then apply treatment to any affected areas. 

Structural Damage

In more severe cases, the damage may be extremely visible. This can mean things like a sagging ceiling, bulging drywall, or even bubbling wall surfaces. Unfortunately, if your roof damage has reached this point, it has probably damaged further parts of your home. This further stresses the importance of staying on top of regular roof checks and repairs. It is far more cost-friendly to do minor repairs than pay for major damage down the road.

Leaky Roofs Can Worsen The Damage

It is crucial that you regularly check your roof for any leakage. If you have any openings where water can enter, you run the risk of extensive water damage. After any big storms or excessive rainfall, do a quick run-through of your home and check your ceilings. If you identify damage early on, you can save yourself unnecessary costs in the long run.

Gutters Can Back Water Up 

In our Fall Maintenance Tips blog, we discussed the importance of regularly cleaning your gutters in order to avoid several types of damage to your roof. Water damage is no exception. If you let your gutters get clogged with leaves or other debris, this can render your gutters useless. Water will pile up on your roof rather than running through the gutter system properly. This is a common cause of water damage in roofs that is often overlooked. 

There are a number of ways water damage can present itself in your roof. It is important to stay educated on the signs so you can quickly identify them in your own home. It is rather simple to identify that there is damage present if you stay on top of regular roof checks. 

Remember, it is crucial to prioritize repairs if you want to avoid creating further damage. If you do identify water damage, feel free to contact The Roofing Doctor. We work on properties in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and the Greater Boston area and specialize in roofing repairs and maintenance. We have a trained team of professionals who are prepared to handle any type of damage, large or small. Not sure where to start? Click here to get in touch with the Roofing Doctor team today. We look forward to helping you repair and maintain your roof.