Leaking roofs are much more than just an everyday inconvenience. They are a severe risk to the health and well-being of the family and can cause disease, fires, and catastrophic building collapses.
Miami gets about 60 inches of rain each year, most of which is received during the rainy season, from May to September. Tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms are also common in Miami that might cause heavy damage to the roof. If you are a resident of Miami, roof leakages might be a common problem that you face. However, replacing and repairing them with the help of the best roofers in Miami might be a good idea.
Therefore, it is crucial to detect when your roof leaks at the earliest. Noticing dripping water is a pretty obvious way to tell when a leak is present in the roof structures. But many roof leaks are nearly impossible to spot unless you know what to look for.
Here are the key signs of a leaky roof that you need to note.
- Water stains
Take a closer look at your ceiling or walls if you see discoloration or other signs of a leak. Water stains may appear as large puddles on the roof, often surrounded by a brown ring. In some cases, they may not appear that way at all. Stains in dark corners are difficult to see, while minor stains may indicate a much larger leak.
- Unpleasant smells
Your sense of smell is an essential tool for detecting leaks. If you smell a distinct odor in your home longer than a few days, you need to find out what is causing it. If your roof leaks, the air might smell musty when you turn on the heater or air conditioner or open a window. The smell can also generate from wet insulation, and you should check your attic to see if you have any damaged batts or rolls.
- Mold
Mold weakens building materials, such as wood and insulation, resulting in damage to your home. A leaky roof can allow mold to spread to many parts of the house. Humid, warm, and dark environments are the perfect breeding ground for it. If these conditions exist, mold can spread rapidly without your knowledge.
It is detrimental to your health if you inhale mold spores constantly. This is especially important if you or a family member suffers from asthma or allergies. Mold present in your home can also lead to sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes and throat.
The presence of mold on your exterior walls may indicate a leaking roof. You can determine whether it is present on the other side of the wall by measuring from the mold spot to a reference point, like a window or door.
- Missing shingles or debris in your downspouts
Having missing shingles, gaps between your shingles’ seams, and other structures, such as chimneys, may indicate that your roofing material is not working correctly. Also, if debris is getting collected in your downspouts or they are clogged, it means that your roofing material is shedding. Even if your house does not appear to leak, it can eventually happen into the attic or crawl space.
- Dripping sounds
Checking for dripping sounds in your roof is the most obvious way to know about water leaking. The first place to start is in your attic. You may leak if you observe a wet roof deck or hear water dripping from your walls.
Seeing these signs? Here’s what to do about it
There is no need to be apprehensive if your roof leaks. Contact the team of the best roofers in Miami who can handle leaks quickly and effectively. A roofing contractor will provide you with the best affordable repairing and replacement options. The average roof replacement cost in Miami, Florida, is $7,211.
