A faint water stain making its way across the ceiling? You may be concerned that what looks like an insignificant drip is in fact a larger issue on your hands. Or you find yourself questioning if your roof is putting out some kind of signal before the next storm comes through.
We are River Roofing, and from our Springfield home base we have been of service to the Southern Willamette Valley for as long as 1971. Our reach extends to all of Lane County including Eugene, Cottage Grove, Veneta, Vida, Pleasant Hill, Creswell, Lowell, Junction City and the communities in between. Should you have any misgivings about a leak, give us a ring at (541) 782-7672 and we will put your mind at ease.
For the most part, a roof leak is not going to make much of a fuss. They are quiet affairs that get started behind walls or above your head where they are out of sight. Water dripping on the floor is usually the culmination of damage that has been occurring for some time. There are, however, telltale signs to be had.
Water Stains and Discoloration
The telltale mark of a problem is a water stain. You will see them as yellow, brown or even copper hued on your walls and ceilings. They can be irregular in shape or form a circle with a dark ring to it. Bear in mind that water will follow the framing and beams before it makes its way down, so the stain could be well removed from the source of the leak.
Do not put off dealing with:
- Rings of brown or yellow on the ceiling
- Interior wall streaks
- Paint that is bubbling or peeling
- Dampness that seems to follow the weather
- Any discoloration near vents or light fixtures
From the Attic
More often than not the attic is where a leak first puts in an appearance. Put on a flashlight and have a good look around one dry day, but be sure to stay on the framing and watch your step.
You might come across:
- The underside of the roof deck looking wet or dark
- Insulation that is matted and damp
- Some daylight coming through a crack
- A mustiness in the air from moisture
- Rust on the nails or fasteners
Most homeowners do not think to check their attic until the living room below is affected. Make a habit of it every couple of months and you will spare yourself trouble.
What You Can See From the Ground
There is no need to put in a climb on the roof to spot trouble; the yard or driveway will do. An early detection is the dividing line between a full replacement and a repair.
Keep an eye out for shingles that are missing, cracked or curling, or granules in the gutters. Sagging of the roofline and flashing that has been damaged or lifted about the chimney are also indicators. Then there is the moss and debris. In the Willamette Valley a roof is put to the test by the steady rain of winter; left unchecked, the moisture and moss will take their toll.
Interior Warning Signs
At times the roof is not the first thing to register. A leak has a way of manifesting in seemingly unconnected ways.
Be on the alert for:
- A musty smell in a room or two
- An unexplained uptick in energy costs
- Warped trim or wallpaper coming loose
- Higher indoor humidity
- Mold or mildew along the ceiling and in corners
All of these would indicate moisture has found its way in.
The Case for Early Action
It is a rare small leak that does not become something more. Once water is past your roof it is only a matter of time before it rots the framing, compromises the insulation and drywall and fosters mold. What was once an easy fix becomes structural work and a considerable expense. Regular inspections have their merit for this reason; someone with the training will see what is easily overlooked and have the repairs done before it gets worse.
Experience You Can Rely On
As one of the bigger roofing outfits in Lane County, River Roofing has a staff of over 45 and we have put up in excess of 45,000 roofs since 1971. We are licensed and insured, and the Better Business Bureau has given us an A+ rating. Free estimates are available.
If you have seen any of the above, why put it off to the next storm? Contact us at (541) 782-7672. We are here to help you put your home in order, Monday to Friday from 7:30 in the morning until 4.
