To prevent further water damage, it is important to deal with roof leaks as soon as possible. A roof leak can cause visible signs like stains on your ceilings or mold in your home, but some signs are not as obvious until you inspect your roof regularly. This article will show you 5 signs that your roof might be leaking if you're wondering how to tell.

1. Ceiling Stains

If you notice stains on the ceiling of your home, then you probably have a leak coming from your roof. There are often brown tints around these stains, making them unpleasant to see. When shingles are damaged, flashing deteriorates and roof vent seals are vulnerable, ceiling stains result from roof leaks.

2. Mold in Your Home

Any mold found in your attic or nearby areas could be caused by a roof leak, depending on where the mold is located. Mold will grow in your attic if there is too much moisture coming in from your roof. While a roof leak may not always cause mold growth, it may also be caused by inadequate attic ventilation, so inspect your attic for issues before assuming the worst.

4. Missing and Damaged Shingles

Your roof might currently have or will eventually leak if you see evidence of roof damage, such as missing or damaged shingles. A leak might not be visible on the surface of your roof, but it could be sneaking into your attic. Depending on where the damaged or missing shingles are located, a leak will not always occur. There is a good chance that water would be coming in if the missing shingle exposed a seam.

5. Damaged Flashing

In addition to shingles, it is important to inspect the flashing on your roof to ensure that water is kept from entering. It is possible for flashing material to become lifted and loose due to high winds. When that happens, rainwater can seep underneath it and enter your home. Make sure your flashing is inspected each season to make sure there are no damages. 

How to Find a Roof Leak

Checking your attic for potential issues is one way to do this. Excessive moisture often causes dark spots, mold, or wet insulation, so be on the lookout for these signs. There is no guarantee the problem area is directly above the damaged area since the water might have been diverted there, but you will get a good idea of where it is.

What to Do When a Roof Is Leaking

After finding the source of the leak, you might ask, "My roof is leaking. What should I do?" The roofer will know exactly what to do when a roof leaks, so unless you're an experienced handyman, it might be a better idea to hire one to fix the leak. Leaks may not be obvious at first, but if the damage is extensive, you may need to replace your roof. 

HUDCO Roofing & Exteriors can provide you with the help you need. Getting in touch with us can be done by calling us at 225-364-1007. We service areas in Bossier City, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge, LA.