Recognizing the presence of a leak in the home isn’t always easy. After all, locating roof damage from the ground provides limited visibility. That's why learning to detect the signs and secure timely roof repair is the only way to prevent further damage. Here’s a closer look to help you determine the need for roofing maintenance.  

How to Detect Roof Leaks on Your Property

1. Loose Debris

A roof's shingles are essential for protecting your home from the elements. However, it’s possible that stormy weather can cause weak or decaying branches to fall from nearby trees, potentially causing roof punctures. While these branches might end up in the yard, there’s a chance that one or more may have come into contact with your roof. A single impact is all it takes to cause internal damage. 

Rather than risking further leaks, have a roofing professional perform an in-depth inspection. They can verify the condition of the materials and pinpoint areas that might require repair. 

2. Overflowing Gutters

Leaves, twigs and other types of debris tend to collect within the gutters. Without seasonal cleaning, these can block the runoff and cause water to overflow into the eaves. The constant moisture will eventually produce a level of rot that opens the grains in the wood and allows leaks to develop. 

Monitoring your gutters during the next rainstorm is the easiest way to catch this issue. If there’s any sign of water spilling over the side, then there’s a chance that water is also pooling under the edge of the roof. 

3. Missing Shingles

Storms can also knock shingles off of the roof, exposing the underlayment and increasing the risk of a leak. While you might not notice an immediate drip, there could be an accumulation of moisture permeating the structure.

To locate any missing or lifted shingles, stand back in the yard until you can see the top of the home, and then scan the surface for any signs of damage and note the areas that appear worse for wear. Homeowners can prevent further issues by having a roofing contractor come out to perform repairs.

If you suspect a roof leak, reach out to Tory’s Roofing & Waterproofing in Pearl City, HI. These professionals have been in the business for nearly 50 years and work with only the best materials on the market. They are a third-generation family business and provide roof repairs to both residential and commercial clients. Call (808) 456-5990 to schedule an estimate, or visit their website for additional information on their services.