When it comes to roof leaks, a diagnosis is vital before attempting to fix anything on the roof.
The first question we ask clients experiencing a leaky roof is where do you see the water stains?
Stains Near Exterior Walls
If the stains are near the outside, by an exterior wall, they could be from an ice dam. Walk around your house and take a look at the roof. Do you see ice in the gutters? Any icicles? Lack of snow further up on the roof, but more at the bottom? These symptoms are likely due to an ice dam. When the snow cannot shed off properly, it leaks through your shingles and into the walls, which causes those stains near the outside of the ceiling. If you are noticing this now in the springtime, it could be a slow drip or remnants from what were ice dams along your gutters.
Multiple Small Stains Throughout the Ceiling
Do you see numerous small stains, almost like splatters, across your ceiling? This is very likely not a leaky roof. It could be condensation from cooking, cleaning, pets; you name it! Condensation gets into the attic and cannot exhaust out of the attic. So, in the winter months, that moisture turns to frost, then when it warms up, it melts and drips back down to the roof floor, causing those multiple drips and stains on your ceiling.
Dripping or Leaking Bathroom Fan
If you notice your bathroom fan is leaking, you may think you have a roof leak near your fan. This may not be the case. What could be happening is moisture gets up into the fan or vent hose, freezes in the winter, and as it melts, it drips back down through your bathroom fan.
Skylight Condensation
Another common issue we get calls about is condensation on skylights. If you have skylights and they are dripping water, it’s likely because of excess moisture, not a leak in the skylight or roof.
Do you have a humidifier built into your furnace? If you do, you need to make sure it is always set relative to the temperature outside. If you have it set to 40-50% on a cold day, that is going to create a lot of moisture build-up inside your home—that is way too humid. If you notice condensation on your windows or skylights, then you have excess moisture in your home, and you should turn down that humidifier.
Proudly serving homeowners in Indianapolis and surrounding communities, Expert Restoration Service is a roofer and general contractor. Rest at ease with your budget, we offer financing that can help to open your options. If we can be of service or to get started on your project today, call 317.643.1207 or book online now.