Identifying areas where your roof may be damaged is very important. Leaks in roofs can cause significant water damage to the interior of your home, including to the attic, walls, ceilings and floors. When damage from moisture is left untreated, it can allow mold to form when conditions are ideal.

Gutters Hanging Loosely from Roof

The gutters carry rainwater away from the roof, through the downspouts and deliver it safely away from the house. If they are not securely fastened or are pulling away from the roof, water can get between the siding of the home and cause mold, seep into your house or erode the soil around the exterior walls of the house. Homeowners can fix gutters by hammering loose nails back in place or replacing missing ones with longer, stainless steel, rustproof nails to give them a better grip.

Damage to Ceilings, Walls or Floors

When your roof is leaking, one sign will be water damage to the interior of your home. This is evidenced by peeling paint, warped floors or large water stains on ceilings. Not only does the roof have to be fixed immediately, but also the damage to the inside has to be dealt with right away to prevent mold. There are water damage specialists like Quick-Dry Flood Services who will come to your home and dry walls, ceilings and floors, clean up mold and deodorize the house.

Mold in the Attic

Mold in the attic is an indication there may be a leak in the roof. Mold forms when there is a moisture problem; if you have mold in the attic, you will need to identify the source of it. There is a good chance it has been caused by a leak in the roof. You will want to contact a professional roofer to fix the roof, as well as someone to fix the water damage in your home. Mold is important to identity and resolve, as certain strains can cause significant health concerns.

Gaps in Flashing

Flashing is used on roofs at the intersection where objects, such as skylights, vents or chimneys, protrude from the roof. These pieces of sheet metal keep the juncture waterproof so there are no water leaks into the home or attic. If it is improperly installed or the materials have rusted or worn out, water will find its way into the home or between the bricks of the chimney. Any water that leaks into the home through the roof will cause damage to either the wood supports in the attic or the interior of the house, or both.

Roof damage is a serious issue and should be addressed as soon as you are aware of a problem. If water leaks are not dealt with immediately the wood support structures of the roof can start to rot and mold, causing serious and extensive damage to the roof, attic and interior of your house.