New Phoenix residents might assume that the region, with its desert climate, gets very little rain.
The truth is that we experience a significant monsoon season throughout the summer months.
Monsoons result from shifting winds that can bring all sorts of weather events, including heavy downpours.
As we move through the winter months, we still have bouts of rain, however, winte time is a good time to double check for leaking roof issues and repair them.
How can you identify water leaks in your roof?
What should you do if you discover or suspect roof damage? We’re here to tell you.
Read on to learn how to successfully handle leaking roof issues in the Phoenix area.
Signs of a Leaking Roof
You don’t always have to go looking for evidence that your roof is leaking.
Here are some of the common signs that your roof may be leaking that you shouldn’t ignore.
Damaged Roofing Materials
Roof leaks tend to occur when your roofing materials are compromised.
Damaged shingles and flashing allow water to seep in and cause damage to the structure and interior of your home.
Look for missing, broken, or curling shingles, taking note when even one shingle is showing signs of damage.
If you can see your flashing or it looks like it’s curling or pulling away from your roof, this is another sign that you need repairs to prevent leaks.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew thrive out of doors and don’t present many health problems when they’re in outdoor environments.
When you have mold and mildew inside, however, you can start to experience new or worsening health problems like coughing, congestion, or itchy eyes.
Indoor mold and mildew growth indicate the presence of moisture.
If you have mold or mildew growing in your attic or the upper floors of your home, it’s time to take a closer look at your roof.
While mold may not be visible, you may notice strange or musty odors coming from areas with a high concentration of growth.
Water Stains
Materials like paint and drywall aren’t meant to get wet or sustain high levels of moisture.
Even certain flooring materials that advertise as water-resistant can start to show signs of wear and tear if subjected to leaking.
If you start to notice dark or discolored spots on your walls and ceiling, you may have a leaking roof.
Not only are these stains unpleasant to look at, but they can pose safety risks as well, causing structural weakening that could cause your ceiling to collapse.
Clogged or Rusting Gutters
Your gutters have an important job to do.
When it rains, water runs down your roof, where your gutter collects it.
The gutter then diverts water away from your home to prevent pooling around the foundation.
In the process, it also prevents water from pooling on your roof, where it can start to seep under shingles and create a leak.
If your gutter is clogged or rusty, it’s time to clean it up and inspect your roof.
How to Find Water Leaks
Perhaps you’ve made it through another monsoon season and haven’t noticed any obvious signs that your roof is leaking.
An annual roof inspection is the best way to determine the state of your roof.
If you do suspect roof damage but don’t know for sure, here are the steps you can take to learn more on your own.
Inspect Your Roof
Take a walk around your property and inspect your roof from different angles.
Pay close attention to any missing or damaged shingles, warping or sagging, or discoloration.
You can also assess the state of your shingles when you clean your gutters, an important home maintenance step to prevent pooling and leaking.
Inspect Your Interior
Because water leaks in a roof manifest in interior damage, you should also take a look at the inside of your home.
Head to the attic or highest floor of your home and inspect the ceiling and walls.
If you find stains, water damage, or mold growth, it’s time to rule out a plumbing issue and get started on roof repairs if needed.
Introduce Water
If you’re looking for water leaks during Phoenix’s dry season, you may find it difficult to pinpoint the entry points.
To get a better idea of which parts of your roof are damaged, have one person stand in your attic or the highest floor of your home while you spray a hose on your roof.
If damage is present, the person inside should start to see water dripping or pooling in a specific area of the ceiling or walls.
What to Do About Water Leaks in Your Roof
You’ve discovered a leak in your roof and now you’re wondering what steps to take.
You may be wondering how to repair a tile roof leak on your own or how to replace a portion of flashing when you don’t need to replace the entire roof.
The reality is that unless you have experience with roof repair, you’re better off leaving that work to the professionals.
Roof repair is hazardous work, both because you’re up high and because many of the materials can cause injuries when not handled properly.
If you’re concerned about roof repair costs, talk to your local roofer to request an estimate.
Depending on the nature of your roof damage, what caused it, and how fast you’ve reacted, you may be entitled to a tax deduction or home insurance coverage for your roof repair costs.
You can also discuss payment plans that will make your roof repair costs easier to budget for.
Call JLC Roofing for Roof Repairs and Replacements
As a Phoenix homeowner, you may have thought you were clear and free from leaking roof issues.
The truth is that thanks to our monsoon season and other major weather events, your Phoenix roof can still sustain damage that leads to a leak.
Do you want to schedule roof repairs, replacements, or an inspection? JLC Roofing has an A+ rating thanks to our 30 years of committed service.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and discuss roofing service costs.
Whether it’s roof repair Sun City AZ , Phoenix, or other valley locations we’ve got you covered! Schedule repairs, replacements, or inspections with JLC Roofing for a 5-star professional roofing experience. For 20+ years, we have been committed to delivering a the best roofing experience to each of our clients. Contact us today at (623) 878-9832 or request an estimate online.