Identifying and responding to roof damage quickly can minimise water damage, mould growth, rotted framing and other issues. Look for signs of a leaking roof Adelaide to prevent further damage and save money on costly repairs.
Dark stains on the ceiling or walls may be the first signs of leaks and must be addressed promptly. Damp or musty areas in the home should also be assessed immediately.
Sagging Ceilings
A sagging ceiling is an obvious red flag. It might not seem like a big deal, but it’s one of the most common home inspection problems and can be a serious issue requiring immediate attention. If left unchecked, a sagging ceiling can cause significant damage to the structural integrity of the house and lead to major costs down the track.
When you look up at your ceiling, a sag is the most obvious sign of a problem with the roof. It’s possible to see a sag from the ground, or you may need to climb up a ladder and look closer. The sagging usually occurs in the centre of the plasterboard sheets where the fixings hold them in place. Often, you can see a pronounced ‘V’ shape where these fixings let go and cause the ceiling to sag.
Other signs of a sagging roof include water stains and cracks in the ceiling. These are both the result of moisture in the home and can be a sign of an active leak. In some cases, a sagging ceiling can also be the result of poor construction design or materials. That is why a pre-purchase building and pest inspection is important in assessing the property. It’s an opportunity for an experienced building inspector to spot potential problems with the structure and provide you with a professional opinion on how to address them.
Water Stains
Stains on walls and ceilings are an obvious sign of water penetration through your roof. These cosmetic stains can lead to serious water damage and mould development.
Mould grows quickly and can cause health issues, so catching a leaking roof Adelaide early is important. Stains on the walls and ceilings are a sign of water leaking from the attic and can be caused by a variety of roofing issues, including rotting, blistering, curling, buckling and missing shingles.
A leaking roof can also cause dampness in the attic or moisture around the rafters and insulation. If you can access your attic safely, check the rafters and insulation for signs of moisture or rot. You may also want to look for a gap between the attic floor and your roof.
The gap can appear darker due to condensation and may be difficult to see until the moisture dries. You can also look for nails or screws that are protruding through the drywall, which could have allowed water into the home. It is often the case if you have had antennas or satellite dishes installed on your roof using nails instead of screws.
Damp Smells
When water seeps into your walls and ceiling, it can smell damp. If the odour spreads through your whole house, this could be a sign of an issue with your roof. The problem can also lead to the growth of mould or mildew, which, if left unchecked, will cause serious damage and can be dangerous to health.
A sign that your roof is leaking is when you find signs of mould and mildew on your ceiling or walls. Mould usually grows in dark and warm areas, and if it spreads quickly through your home, this is probably due to a leaky roof that has allowed water to creep into different parts of the building.
Another sign that your roof is leaking is when there are brown spots on the ceiling or walls. It is because drywall, which is gypsum plaster sandwiched between two layers of paper, gets wet when a leak occurs. When the drywall is wet, it becomes a breeding ground for fungi and moulds responsible for the brown colour.
A leaking roof Adelaide can also deteriorate the sheathing and framing systems, which can cause cracks or holes in your exterior walls. It is especially true if you have a missing gutter apron or rusted gutters. You can check for this by climbing into your attic on a cold night when shiners (metal nails that missed their framing member) will be iced over with condensation from the roof above.