Small roof leaks can become a larger problem if you don’t catch them soon enough. Roof evaluations should be conducted by a roofing professional every six or seven years to identify potential problems. This can prevent leaks from weakening wood that cause interior leaks in living spaces. When professionals such as Building Sciences 16:3 of Charlotte, NC inspect your roof, it can save money and prevent more extensive roofing damage.

Look for these 3 signs that your roof may be have a leak and ways to avoid future leaks.

1. Watermarks
If obvious watermarks appear on your ceilings or walls in the interior living space of your home, it may be due to a roofing leak. Shingles that are not properly secured can sometimes allow water to pass into the interior living space. These areas need to be inspected properly by a roofing professional to avoid extensive water damage.

2. Shingles
If your shingles are raised, missing, loose, discolored, curled, or have wide gaps between them, there is a higher risk that leaks will occur. Sometimes nails securing the shingles to the roof need to be hammered down completely or re-caulked to prevent leaks.

3. Gutters
If granules appear in the gutters or the gutter downspout exit area, it may indicate roof damage. Granules are the gritty particles found on shingles to protect roofs from severe weather. Finding granules in gutters or downspout areas is an indication that the shingles are losing their weather-resistant material and are susceptible to leaks. Check your gutters and downspout areas for granules to determine if your shingles are weathered and need replacement.

Identifying smaller leak issues and finding solutions early will cost less than replacing an entire roof. Neglecting to evaluate the condition of your roof puts your home at risk for extensive leak damage. Have your next inspection performed by a seasoned authority from Building Sciences 16:3. We use our 30 years of experience to give you a thorough inspection and a detailed report.