Is My Roof Leaking?

An undetected roof leak can cause water to build up in your attic causing excessive damage to your home.  With the melting snow, rain and ice storms – you really have to be conscious and cautious of any leaks in your roof and possible water build up in your attic.  During the winter when the warm air from your heated home comes into contact with the cold underside of your roof – you get condensation. Condensation is simply the result of water in a gaseous state being converted to its liquid state as it cools. Condensation is common in spaces with no insulation or not enough insulation. It is extremely important to have good insulation in your attic to minimize the amount of warm air that travels up to your roof. With excess moisture in the air, it’s important to have upper ventilation in your attic; make sure that there are no blocked airways for proper ventilation. Water coming through the exterior of your home is never good, but it can be especially troublesome when it goes undetected in the attic.

Signs of a Leaking Roof

Indications of a roof leak include:

• Water stains or damp spots on your ceiling
• Moist drywall around light fixtures or electrical outlets
• Damp spots around interior air vents or fireplaces
• Loose shingles laying in your yard
• Shingle granules in your gutters
• Damp spots around interior air vents or fireplaces
• Dripping sounds inside your home
• Curling or buckling shingles on your roof

Steps you can take to find the source of the moisture:

• Check the building pressure with reference to the exterior
• Perform a blower door test to determine the tightness of the building envelope
• Use thermal imaging, with a blower door to determine the pathway of indoor air to the attic
• If there are air ducts in the attic, you can do a duct blaster test of the A/C Duct system

It is important to note that most building codes don’t always address attic bypasses, insulation on heating ducts, or exhaust fans that push hot air into the attic. Homeowners in “new build” subdivisions can be misled into believing they’re in the clear because everything looks shiny and new. Unfortunately,  New Home Builders often make more frugal (but, legal) choices in the name of keeping costs low.

Contact Carmody Construction Today

If you have questions or concerns about your roofing system, attic ventilation or attic insulation. We are the trusted contractor homeowners can turn to in difficult times for exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding customer service. Our team of professionals will stop in for a free initial appointment and inspection to discuss what needs to be done to make sure your attic is insulated as well as properly ventilated.

For a FREE  roof repair or damage estimate, call Carmody today at (630) 355-0002 or fill out the form below.