A leaky roof can be obvious, but roof leaks don’t always end up dripping in the middle of your kitchen. Leaks often end up in places homeowners may not necessarily notice right away, such as in the attic, the walls, or even the foundation. Here are a few warning signs to look for so you can fix a leak before it becomes a significant problem.

How to Know When Your Roof Is Leaking

1. Spots on Your Outside Walls

Seeing water spots on the outside of your home could mean there's damage to the flashing that seals the area between your roof and walls. Even if you haven't noticed a roof leak in your home, water could be getting into your attic or wall spaces.

You may also see large spots of mold or mildew growing under the roofline, or down the side of your house. This could indicate a problem with your gutters or downspout, which are both integral parts of your roofing system. 

2. Warped Roof Shingles 

Keep an eye out for shingles that look like they're buckling or curling up at the edges. Warped shingles could mean your roof felt is compromised, or your shingles are absorbing moisture. Spots of roof rot, where the shingles seem to crumble, also mean your roof is absorbing water. You may even notice debris from your roof material in your downspouts as your shingles disintegrate. If your shingles are falling apart, your roof may not be keeping out water and you could have a roof leak soon, if you don't have one already.

3. Water Stains

If you notice a water stain forming on your ceiling or drip stains on the walls, you may have an interior roof leak. Even if the drip seems to stop, it's important to have a professional take a look. This is especially true in the winter when an intermittent drip could mean there's ice under your roof repeatedly freezing and thawing. If there's any sign of moisture inside your house, it's time to get the roof inspected. 

Economy Roofing & Construction in Walnut, CA, has over 20 years of experience in roof repair and installation. Their expert roofing contractors stay up-to-date on the latest technology to detect leaks and damage, so your roof inspection will be thorough and complete. From flat and asphalt commercial roofing to metal roof repair, they work with all the latest roofing materials. Call (626) 771-7291 for a free quote, or visit them online for more information about their services.