According to stats at www.theweathernetwork.com, Vancouver sees more precipitation in the month of November than at any other time of year. The rain can be relentless, lasting for days or even weeks without a break. When you add wind and the chilly temperature, you’ve got a recipe for roof leaks.
At Best Quality Roofing we find November to be one of our busiest months for inspecting and repairing roof leaks. We’d like to share with you some of the signs that water might be sneaking in, to help you spot a leak early and keep damage to a minimum.
Interior Discolorations
Stains and discolorations can develop on the walls, ceilings and around windows and fixtures. Yellow staining that suddenly appears or “grows” is a good sign that you have an active leak.
It’s always a good idea to have your attic or crawl space inspected if staining appears on upstairs ceilings. Discoloration on the underside of the plywood sheeting beneath your roof is a strong indicator that moisture is present in the space, which could be the result of inadequate ventilation or an active roof leak. Either way, mold will quickly develop in a moist attic, so it must be addressed immediately.
Be cautious of any dark spots – quite often these are growths of mold and must be properly remediated to ensure the health of everyone under the roof.
Exterior Discolorations
In our Fall Roof Maintenance Tips article, we talked about water staining on the external material being an indicator of inadequate drainage. Areas that appear discolored or stained are a good sign that water is not being directed away from the surface of your roof, and this provides a great opportunity for little cracks, gaps or other imperfections to let the rain move inside.
Of course, in the rain these areas aren’t easy to see, so make sure you get a chance to do the ground-level inspection on the next dry day, and have any discolorations inspected and if necessary, repaired.
Buckling, Curling and Slipped Shingles & Broken Tiles
The shingles on your roof should lay flat, each row overlapping the next, and the same goes for tiles, in their wavy rows. Improper installation, damaged material or pooling water can cause shingles to buckle, curl and slip out of place and tiles to crack and break allowing easy access to any potential points of ingress that were previously protected by the shingles or tiles.
Damaged or Missing Flashings
The flashing that skirts your roof (and skylights and other penetrations such as vents) plays a major part in preventing leaks. Any broken, bent, lifted or just plain missing flashing creates a great opportunity for water to get in, especially around skylights and vents.
And of course, if you see water coming in, it’s a pretty sure bet that you have a roof leak.
Remember, not every leak will present itself quickly or at all, so if you see any of the above exterior signs that water is getting in, please don’t let the absence of interior signs prevent you from having them inspected and repaired. And if you’re not sure, gather as many details as you can and give us a call! Our experienced staff can help you determine what your next step should be.
Best Quality Roofing is open 24/7!
When you have a roofing emergency, we are here for you! Best Quality Roofing technicians are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call us at (604) 716-5325, anytime!
