5 Signs You Have a Hidden Roof Leak
By Service Rank USA Team
A dripping ceiling is the "code blue" of roof leaks—by then, the damage is already severe. Most roof leaks start slow and subtle, festering for months or years inside your walls and attic. Tracking them down early can save you thousands in mold remediation.
1. The Yellow/Brown Ring
If you see a faint, circular coffee-colored stain on your ceiling or drywall, that is water. It might disappear when the rain stops, but the damage is active. Do not paint over it; investigate above it. This is the most common early warning sign homeowners ignore.
2. Missing Granules in Gutters
Asphalt shingles are covered in granules that protect them from the sun. If you find your downspout splash blocks are full of black sand, your shingles are bald and fragile. Bald shingles crack easily, allowing water to seep through the nail holes.
3. Moss and Algae Growth
A little green fuzz looks quaint, but moss is a sponge. It holds moisture against the shingle surface and can lift the edges up as it grows. If you have significant moss patches, moisture is inevitably working its way underneath them.
4. Curled or Buckled Shingles
Go outside and look up. Do the shingles lie flat, or do they look distorted? "Buckling" usually means hot air is trapped in the attic, warping the decking. This movement pops nails loose and creates pathways for water.
5. Musty Attic Smell
Your nose often knows before your eyes do. If you climb into the attic and are hit with a damp, musty, earthy smell, you have mold. Even if you can't see a leak, high humidity from a hidden breach is feeding that mold growth.