A faint water stain on the ceiling? An odd mustiness in the attic that has you concerned? One can never be certain if today’s little drip is not going to be tomorrow’s costly repair.
We at Point Roofing have been in business in Idaho for some time now, since 2012, and we are well aware of how a trifling matter with a roof can escalate into an expensive one in short order. A leak will seldom make a show of itself with a deluge in the living room; it is more apt to be something small and out of sight until water is on your floor, by which point the trouble has been festering for weeks or months. There are telltale signs that you need your roof repaired.
Water Stains on Ceilings and Walls
Discoloration is what one sees most often. Brown or yellow rings on the wall or ceiling may enlarge as they go. The water might run along a rafter before making its way down, so do not expect the stain to be right under the leak. Then there is the mark that vanishes when the weather is dry only to put in an appearance with the next rain. Even if it is an old looking stain, a faint one at that, it is an indication that water is getting in.
Musty or Damp Smell
Sometimes your nose will detect a problem first. Moisture in the insulation or walls of the attic is an invitation to mold and mildew. That damp, earthy odour should be taken as a red flag, but unfortunately the smell means moisture has been around long enough to have an effect on what is inside the home.
Shingles in Poor Condition
After a storm, give the roof a once over from the ground. You will see right away if it is vulnerable. Look for shingles that are cracked, torn or gone altogether; edges lifting or curling; bald patches from worn granules or piles of them in the gutter; any shingle that is darker or wetter than its neighbours. In Northern and Southwest Idaho the wind and hail put both metal and asphalt roofing through their paces.
Sagging or Soft Spots
The deck of a roof ought to be solid and straight. Should you see a dip or sag, water has probably made its way into the wood below and weakened the structure. This is not something to put off. Give us a ring at (208) 795-3041 and our people will come and have a look.
Flashing and Sealants in Disrepair
The metal flashing put in place at the chimneys, vents and skylights is meant to turn water away from the joints. Over time it can rust, pull away or loosen, and the sealants will dry up and crack. Bent or corroded flashing is an open door for a leak.
An Unexplained Rise in Energy Bills
It is not always obvious, but a spike in heating and cooling costs can be a clue. Once your insulation is saturated with moisture it is no longer doing its job. If the bills are up for no apparent reason, a concealed leak could be why.
The Case for Early Action
Left to its own devices a leak will spread. What was a stain can end up as rotted decking, framing damage and mould. The further the water goes, the pricier the repairs. An early detection can be mended without having to do a full replacement.
Point Roofing does it all for residential and commercial properties in Idaho: from TPO and flat roofing to gutters and storm damage, we are here for it. We are A+ with the Better Business Bureau and have the reviews of 400 plus Idaho homeowners to back us up. Service Finance can be arranged to keep costs in check.
See any of these signs? Call Point Roofing at (208) 795-3041 for a no cost estimate. Let us put a stop to a minor leak before it gets out of hand.
