10 Signs of a Roof Leak

10 Signs of a Roof Leak

Avoid Further Roof Damage with Early Detection

Avoid Further Roof Damage with Early Detection A solid roof protects your home from significant and expensive damage. Your home is a long-term investment, so it pays to be aware of the signs that it’s time for repairs. Sometimes, your roof will be damaged in unexpected circumstances, like a hurricane. Most of the time, however, familiar sources of a roof leaks can be less noticeable. Routine checks of your roof are vital and can reveal underlying roof issues. Having advance notice of potential problems can save you money. A qualified technician from Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR could give you a free roof inspection and will thoroughly inspect your roof to determine what issues could be causing your current leak or problems that may lead to a leaky roof in the future. Related Article: How to Fix a Roof Leak: The Ultimate Guide Ignoring these 10 indicators of needed roof leak repairs can lead to extensive damage to your home and more expensive repairs.

#1 Mold

When you have a leaky roof, mold can infest many parts of your home. When water spreads to different parts of your house, it carries with it the potential to spread mold. Mold causes damage to your home by weakening building materials, like wood and insulation. Mold thrives in the dark, warm, wet environments. When these factors are present, mold can spread quickly without you noticing. Mold Inhaling mold spores can be harmful to your health. This is especially true if you or your family members have respiratory conditions or allergies. Even if you don’t suffer from these conditions, mold present in your home can cause itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, and cough. If you notice mold on your exterior walls, it could be a sign of a leaky roof. Measure from the mold spot to a reference point, like a window or door, and check for mold in the same spot on the other side of the wall. You can also check to see if mold is present where your exterior wall meets your roof. If you see any of these signs of mold, it’s important to give us a call at (512) 820 6505, so one of our technicians can assess your situation and solve your mold problem at its source.  
 

#2 Flashing Damage

Flashing is essential to reducing the effects water has on the exterior parts of your home. Most of the corners and joints in your roof – like around the chimney – should be protected by flashing. Step flashing is used where the walls of your house intersect the roof. Wherever there is flashing on your roof, there is potential for a weak point. When step flashing becomes weak or is damaged, it can be the cause of a leak in your roof. If you don’t have kick-flashing, water runs off of your roof and down your exterior walls. Depending on the integrity of your exterior wall, water could be leaking into the wall itself. If there is a door or window present where the water flows down from the roof, water can seep beneath the trim. If this isn’t taken care of promptly, rot can spread to the sheathing and framing of your home. Regular inspection of the flashing on your home can reveal cracks, splits, or loose pieces of flashing. Careful checking could also reveal spots of rust in the flashing. It’s a good idea to have the flashing on your roof checked seasonally to ensure you catch any potential damage before a leak can wreak havoc on your home.

#3 Stains

Stains If you notice discolored spots or stains on your ceiling or walls, you could potentially have a leak in your roof. Stains in the middle of the ceiling or wall may be noticeable, but there are other, more hidden, places to check. When we inspect your home, we pay close attention to window and door seals, around light fixtures, and in corners. We also inspect your vents and bathroom ventilation fans. Look for signs of discoloration in these spots around your home. The discoloration you may see is a direct result of mold or algae growing inside your walls. It’s essential to pay attention to these stains, regardless of their size. A small, visible stain could indicate a much bigger problem behind the stain. If you can, you should investigate the possible sources of the visible stain. If the source isn’t apparent to you, you may have a leak in your roof. Puddles of water can form from even the smallest leak, spreading damage to a more significant portion of your walls or ceiling. If you notice a dark ring around the outside of the leak, it may be time to give the roofing professionals at Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR a call.

#4 Shiners

If you don’t notice any water flow marks or if the ceiling stain in your home is fairly small, look at the underside of the roof for ‘shiners.’ A shiner is a nail that missed the framing member. Moisture that escapes into your attic from the rooms below often condenses on metal nails. Sometimes you can spot this if you climb up into your attic on a cold night. The nails will look white because they’re frosted. When the attic heats up a bit during the day, the frost melts and drips, then the nails frost up at night again, and so on.

#5 Distorted, Lost, or Damaged Shingles

A sure sign that you have a roof leak is distorted-looking roof shingles. If you notice shingles that are visibly warped or twisted, you’ve found a spot where water is possibly entering your home. When water enters at a point like this on your roof, it can travel throughout your home before it shows any visible leak signs anywhere else . Distorted Lost or Damaged Shingles When you routinely have your roof inspected, our inspectors may find lost or damaged shingles. Lost or damaged shingles are often the source for leaks. It’s important to have your roof inspected after severe weather, like heavy winds or rain, to see if any of your shingles are missing or have been damaged. Hail has been known to actually puncture shingles, creating small holes where water can leak through. Damaged shingles are an easy fix. If you get the damage repaired quickly, you’ll be protecting your home from water damage.

#6 Damp External Walls

If you see mold or moss growing on your external walls, this may indicate a continuous water leak. Physically touch the wall where growth may be present. If you feel dampness, it may be the first indication you have that there is a leak present. A damp external wall can lead to water issues inside the wall. One of our experienced technicians will check above the wall for blocked gutters, downpipes, or other problems that may be causing the dampness on your wall.

#7 Gutter Issues

Leaking Gutters

If you see water dripping out of a portion of your gutters, there is likely a leak present. A dripping gutter is a clear sign that your gutters aren’t functioning properly. The purpose of a gutter is to move the rainwater away from the roof and walls of your home. When a drip is present, water isn’t being fully removed from the areas of your home, it could potentially damage. Leaking gutters allow rainwater to leak into the structure of your home, where it can cause damage long after the rain has passed by.

Blocked Gutters

Your gutters may become blocked with plant matter – like pine needles, pinecones, leaves, etc. If your gutters aren’t routinely cleaned, they will become blocked. Blocked gutters overflow, causing drips. When we inspect your gutters, we may find roofing material. If the roofing material is present in your gutter system, it’s indicative that you have damage somewhere on your roof that could be contributing to a leak.

Rusted Gutters

If not maintained, rust can build up on your gutters. Gutter leaks can start at rusty spots or at seams that have separated because of expansion and contraction. Our roofing professionals will inspect your gutter system for rust spots and separated seams. Rusted Gutters

Missing Gutter Apron

When water flows off the edge of your roof, some of it clings to the underside of the shingles and dribbles toward the structure of your home. If you have gutters but no gutter apron to stop the water, it will wick behind the gutter. Eventually, this will cause a rot problem. You may see water stains below the gutter on the fascia and soffit. This is a sure sign that you’re missing a gutter apron.

#8 Holes Left in Your Roof from Previous Installations

You may have tiny holes in your roof that you don’t even know about. These tiny holes are left over from items previously attached to your roof. Things like satellite dishes, antennas, and mounting brackets are all drilled into your roof. When those items are removed, small holes are left where the screws were. These tiny holes can slowly leak water into your home. We’ll thoroughly check for these holes and other holes that may be present in your roofing.

#9 Damaged Plumbing Vent Boots

Plumbing vent boots can be all plastic, plastic, and metal, or two-piece metal units. We’ll check the plastic bases for cracks and the metal bases for broken seams. Our technician will also examine the rubber boot surrounding the pipe. The rubber can be rotted away or torn, allowing water to seep into your home.

#10 Dirty, Clogged Soffits

Attic ventilation is critical to the health of your house. Soffit vents inhale outside air which is necessary to create airflow that moves warm attic air out of the roof vents. Once the air enters the soffit, it moves through an air chute or some other opening along the underside of the roof into the attic. Clear soffits help to prevent moisture buildup and ultimately mold growth on your roof’s framing. Even the roof vents themselves may have cracked housing or broken seams. During a professional inspection, our conscientious technicians will examine your soffits and check for any damage. Dirty Clogged Soffits

Protect Your Roof with Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR Professionals

Many of the above sources for roof leaks are obvious to the naked eye. Others are silent signs that your roof has damage. Silent damage is the most concerning because it can go unnoticed for weeks, or even months. Repairing your roof can protect your home from major and expensive damage. When your roof needs repair, you should always look for a reputable and reliable roofing contractor. A leaking roof is a critical situation, one that should be taken seriously. It’s vital that you take action as soon as you notice signs of a roof leak. Call Water Damage & Roofing in Austin at (512) 820-6505 for your FREE initial roof inspection. Our experienced technicians can take care of any roofing issues, large or small.
[/et_pb_section
Water Damage Restoration

Water Damage Restoration

Water Damage Restoration is Discussed in this Article from Austin, TxWater Damage Restoration

Water Damage Restoration is the process of restoring your home back to good condition after a water leak has occurred. By taking the time to learn about the Water Damage Restoration process and how to find a qualified contractor, you can successfully restore the damage that unwanted water has caused your property.

When you notice water damage, call immediately. You need to clean up the damages, and restore your home back to good condition.

Water Damage Restoration Steps

1) Identify and Stop Source of Leak  
  • Usually water damage is caused by a roofing leak, or a sudden appliance failure, such as a hot water heater bursting, or dishwasher not draining properly
2) Identify Water Damage
  • A project manager will come out and determine the scope of water damages
  • We use leak detectors to find where the water’s source and it’s impacts
3) Water Removal / Dehumidify the Area
  • We bring in commercial equipment to pump the water from the space
  • We use ventilation blowers and position them to extract moisture from the area
  • When needed, we remove the baseboards and a portion of drywall to ventilate the areas in the walls, or within wooden cabinetry
4) Mold Remediation?
  • Mold Remediation is the process of removing mold spores that have been caused by a standing water leak. The truth is that mold is naturally occurring, but it becomes dangerous when water has been left for a long period in a closed environment.  This has given the mold spores the time to grow. If you see mold then you must remove it, mold remediation is the process of safely removing mold with protective equipment and fungicides
5) Dispose of Damaged Materials
  • We use proper techniques to minimize the damages to your home, if it’s necessary to deconstruct an area to identify and stop water damages, we will remove and dispose of the water damaged building materials
6) Rebuild Baseboards, Drywall, and Framing
  • After the area has been thoroughly dried and cleaned, professional contractors will complete any framing, and begin to rebuild your cabinets, drywall, ceiling, and baseboards to original condition
  • A project manager will thoroughly inspect the installation and materials used
  • Meet with customer to finalize job and receive full payment for work and materials. Insurance companies do cover water damage restoration and we can fully explain the process for receiving fair treatment during a water damage insurance claim
7) Warranty 
  • Your home repairs in the water damaged area are warrantied

Water Damage Restoration Contractor discusses Steps to Remove Water Damage from Home

Water Damage & Roofing of Austin has a solid local reputation for our expertise in water damage restoration. We operate with honesty, and we offer an ironclad warranty

 

Mold Remediation

Mold Remediation

Mold Remediation, Mold Removal, Mold Mitigation, Mold Abatement

These are all terms that mean properly containing and removing mold in a home or business. By taking the time to learn about the mold remediation process and how to find a qualified mold remediation contractor, you can protect your property.

When you have seen mold, call immediately. You need to remove it.

Mold Remediation Steps

 

1) Follow Safety Precautions – Protect all workers and occupants using industry-leading standards

  • Proper safety gear should be worn when dealing with mold
    • Particle filtration face mask
    • Neoprene or Vinyl gloves
    • Protective suit to prevent injury from strong chemicals

2) Control Mold Contamination – Use materials to prevent cross-contamination of the mold into non-contaminated areas

  • Controlling mold is very important. You need to seal off the work area with plastic sheeting to prevent mold spores from being dispersed into the rest of your home or business. Mold contamination should be kept at its source

 

 

3) Mold Removal – Use tools and cleaners to remove mold at its source

  • Vacuuming
  • Air Scrubbing and Air Exchange
    • HEPA Filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) are designed to capture particles as small as mold spores
    • “Negative Air” containment – Using blower fans and air pressure machines to force clean air into the contaminated area and force contaminated air outside
  • Carefully remove and dispose of moldy porous building materials (plywood, baseboards, drywall, insulation)
  • Apply antimicrobial chemicals to clean the mold and mold stains
  • Apply sealer or encapsulant with fungicidal characteristics to the exposed areas to ensure treated areas are resistant to water damage and mold, and to help with odors
  • Clean HVAC air ducts to collect mold spores

 

4) Fix Original Source of Moisture – Eliminate the moisture problem that caused the mold outbreak

  • Use moisture detectors to confirm the exact source of your moisture leak (ex: roofing, or plumbing related)
  • Have a qualified contractor identify, fix, and warranty the source of your water leak
How to Choose the Best Roofing Contractor

How to Choose the Best Roofing Contractor

Carefully Consider Roofing Contractor Reviews when Choosing A Roofer for Your Next Project

When choosing a roofing contractor to help you with your roofing issues, find a roofer that has a reputation for excellence and honesty. But how can you tell which roofing companies have excellent workmanship, and which ones are honest? Reading roofing contractor reviews carefully is the best way to find a local professional roofing contractor like Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR.

Related Article: Local vs out of Town Roofing Contractors

Better Business Bureau

First, you should check with the Better Business Bureau. Here you can view that the roofing contractor that you are considering has a positive rating with this impartial third party. “The services provided by your BBB can make you a better informed and more satisfied consumer. For more than 100 years, BBB has helped people find and recommend businesses, brands, and charities they trust.” Water Damage & Roofing of Austin has a 5 Star rating with the Better Business Bureau. We are a roofing contractor that you can trust.

Yelp

Yelp is another great tool to use when searching for an honest roofing contractor. This service has millions of users who log in to provide their feedback and experience with virtually any business or place of attraction. Business owners cannot alter reviews, allowing people to give unbiased feedback on the service they were provided. Here you can gain trust by reading what other customers have experienced. Honest feedback and a host of information to learn about the company you are considering.

Google Reviews

Google has pretty much transformed the world and how we find information. Simply go to Google and search for the roof mechanic that you are considering using. You will probably see the business on the Google Maps section, and they will have assigned a rating based on other customers’ reviews of the roofing company. Google users usually are very responsive to both good and bad businesses and review them accordingly. This can be an immense resource to research when looking for a qualified contractor for your project.

Ask the Company directly for referrals.

When choosing the right roofing contractor for your home or business building, it is a good idea to ask for references that you can call. When discussing the contractor’s abilities to help you with your roofing project, ask the referral about the project manager’s responsiveness to questions and for their opinion of the workmanship of the project. Importantly, evaluating the roofing company by its responsiveness to the customer’s schedule is their particular concern. A top-rated roofing contractor will take as much time as needed to explain the roofing issue in question and to explain the process and materials to fix the problem. Additionally, ask about the warranty details for work performed.

roofer repairing a roof

Not all roofing contractors are equal; choosing the right one will help you save money and headaches. Please call Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR for a no-cost roofing inspection. We have the expertise for your next roofing project. We specialize in residential metal roofs, shingle roofs, and tile roofs. We have put together a team that will bring value by building a great product and putting our customers first and making it easy for them to complete roofing work successfully.