Whether a major storm hit your area recently or you live in an old house, worrying about roof water damage isn’t uncommon in during the summer. Minor leakage can often go undetected, wreaking havoc in your home. The failure to seek immediate assistance can lead to costly repairs. 

You can prevent this by checking your roof for signs of wear and tear routinely.

Here’s what you should look out for during your roof inspection:

5 Warning Signs of Roof Water Damage 

The pitter-patter of water dripping down the ceiling isn’t the only indicator of roof water damage for homes. There are many aesthetic issues and structural problems that can appear when your roof begins to leak. These include:

1. Cracked/Missing Shingles 

Prolonged exposure to environmental elements such as harsh UV-ray radiation, heavy rainfall, and dusty weather can cause excessive wear and tear. Your roof shingles can brittle and become prone to cracking and breakage. Not only does it hinder your home’s curb appeal, but it makes rooftops susceptible to leaks too.

Consequently, these situations can cause further deterioration as the missing shingles leave gaping holes within your roof. In turn, it leaves more room for the water to enter. 

2. Damp Spots on the Ceiling/Walls

Have you noticed wet spots on your attic ceiling or in any other room?  

A slow leak can migrate away from the origin site and spread across the ceiling. In some cases, moisture might collect beneath the surface of your walls too. All this can make it challenging for homeowners to detect the root cause of the leakage problem. 

The moisture-buildup can result in discolored patches on the ceilings and walls. Most of these spots appear in yellow, copper, or dirty brown colors.

We advise you to seek professional assistance as soon as possible. Otherwise, the water damage might spread throughout the house, causing harmful seepage issues and mold infestation. 

Specialists from 911 Restoration of Charleston can come to your rescue here. All team members have relevant training from the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Certification). They can use this knowledge to identify the primary source of roof water damage and resolve it before the situation escalates. 

3. Sagging Wood Decking 

Excessive water damage can cause your wood decking to become soft and spongy. 

Wood rot occurs when wooden structures and decking are exposed to water for long periods. The excessive absorption causes these wooden structures to become soft and spongy. 

Consequently, the weakened wood can become collapsible as the ceiling begins to sag. Hence, you must evacuate the house before your roof falls. 

4. Bulging Drywall

Roof water damage can cause the drywall to bulge and bubble. It occurs when the leaking water collects behind the drywall. The protruding parts appear in the affected ceiling and even on roofs. Discoloration and dampness are other signs of damaged drywall. 

Water damage restoration specialists have to replace panels from the wall to address this issue. To achieve this goal, the technicians need to locate the primary source of the leaky roof and fix the problem. Subsequently, they ensure all traces of water get removed behind the affected drywall before a new one takes its place. 

5. Musty Smell Caused by Mold Growth 

Mold growth appears in areas with high levels of moisture build-up. Hence, the roof’s cool, dark, and damp panels with leakage water trapped behind panels and walls become the ideal breeding ground for mold growth. It becomes noticeable when you see black, brown, or greenish specks on the infected wall or ceiling. 

You might notice a strange, unpleasant odor lingering in the area caused by this fungal development. 

How Does 911 Restoration of Charleston Handle Roof Water Damage?

911 Restoration of Charleston provides emergency home restoration and water damage restoration services to local and surrounding neighborhoods. Our IICRC-trained technicians are equipped with the best industry-grade equipment and vast knowledge about different types of roof water damage. 

Here’s a short preview of our process: 

• Identify the roof leak and inspect the damaged site to create a personalized restoration plan. 
• Remove all traces of moisture in the roof and attic with a high-grade dryer and humidifiers. 
• Sanitize and deodorize the area to eliminate the foul odors and improve air quality.
• Reconstruct damaged structures by addressing roof repairs, i.e., replacing missing shingles, fixing drywall, and repainting discolored spaces. 

Besides this, we offer mold remediation services to ensure that your house is mold-free when we leave. 

In a Nutshell 

Constant vigilance remains the key to detect roof water damage before your living space becomes inhabitable. Learning how to identify warning signs can serve as the first step towards reconstruction.  Call in home restoration experts as soon as you notice anything amiss. Your immediate action can mitigate risks and maximize recovery. 

Need help?

Get in touch with 911 Restoration of Charleston to receive professional assistance within 45 minutes of your call. Let’s go!