Water damage is one of the most common problems that homeowners face.
When water is allowed to collect where it should not, it can damage structural materials, possessions, and air quality. It’s essential to determine the problem area before taking steps to mitigate the water damage, as you could waste time and money on needless repairs.
To prevent water from seeping in, you need to know the signs of a leaky roof or window, as these two areas are especially vulnerable to snow and rainwater.
Signs You Might Have a Rain Leak
The longer moisture is in contact with certain materials, the more serious structural damage it can do. Here are some signs you should be on the lookout for to spot water intrusion at your home before it gets out of hand.
Common Signs of Window Leaks
Your home has multiple windows on each story, so numerous areas of the house could be easily compromised, resulting in a leak coming inside. If you suspect a window leak, you should move possessions away from the window and perform a closer inspection of the area.
When you inspect the areas near your windows, look for mold growth, peeling paint, sagging drywall, water stains, standing water, and even drafts. If you notice that your windows are becoming cloudy, reducing the amount of natural light entering your home, this could indicate that there is moisture present as well. Damaged caulk is another sign that water is leaking in from the outside.
Common Signs of Roof Leaks
A leaking roof can be even bigger since repairs are more complicated and expensive. However, you do not want to commit to a roof replacement or repair job if unnecessary. It is crucial to diagnose what is causing the leak correctly.
Some things to look out for with a leaking roof are damaged shingles, moldy walls, water stains on the ceilings, water dripping from the ceiling, bubbling paint high on the walls, and clogged gutters. You may also notice that the ceiling is sagging, problems with the chimney, or your energy efficiency is decreasing. Damaged shingles may curl or warp if you are unsure what to look for.
How to Detect Rain Leaks
Even if you do notice some of these signs of rain leaks around your home, that does not necessarily mean that the cause is certainly a leaking window or roof. It could be caused by something else, such as a plumbing leak, a broken water appliance, or a clogged drain. You will need to inspect the area closely to determine the cause so you can take the proper remediation steps.
How to Detect a Window Leak
If you discover signs of leaking near your windows, it’s time to look closer at them while it is raining to see if it’s the window or another source. You may discover that the problem comes from something else, such as compromised siding. Here are a few things to check to find the actual cause of the water damage.
Window Flashings
Windows are primarily waterproofed with flashing. This thin, flexible material is placed around the window frame to prevent moisture from passing through the gaps in the wall created by the opening. If this feature is degraded or disconnected, then you will need new window flashing
Since window flashing is made from thinner materials, homeowners often see it stripped away after a windy day or other inclement weather. Check the top of the window, the sides, and the bottom to see if the flashing was improperly installed or is wearing down.
Inside of Window Frame
Some windows leak from the inside of the frame itself. This could be due to poor installation practices or insufficient insulation materials within the window frame. Insulation and caulking can also wear down over time.
Damaged window frames lead to leaks and energy inefficiency, so these materials may need replacing. If the inside of your window frame leaks, you must consider adding insulation or replacing the frame entirely.
Damp or Decayed Wood
Wood is very porous and vulnerable to water damage. If the wood used to construct your window or the window sill is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced. Wood rot is also unsafe inside the home, so this is another reason to deal with the water intrusion issue.
How to Detect a Roof Leak
As mentioned before, there are plenty of signs that could indicate that your roof leaks. However, just because these signs are present doesn’t mean you have a damaged roof, as the root cause of the water could be something else, like a pipe burst inside the walls or a clogged gutter.
Roof Step Flashing
Just as window flashing helps keep moisture out of the home, roof flashing accomplishes the same objective. It is located wherever the roof meets the exterior walls of your home. If the flashing has fallen apart or is damaged, water can easily slip through the gaps when it rains or if snow melts.
Properly installing roof flashing can be difficult, so it’s best to hire a professional contractor to help ensure it keeps excess moisture out of your home.
Check the Attic
The attic’s condition can be the easiest way to determine if your roof is leaking. Whether it is a crawlspace or a room, you should inspect your attic closely to look for damaged areas, water stains, standing water, gaps in the insulation, or peeling paint.
Pay special attention to the corners and edges of the attic, as these are in the closest proximity to the roof itself, and check the framing materials in the area as well.
Rust on Chimney Flashing
If your home has a chimney, the chimney likely has flashing around it on the roof. However, this flashing is prone to rust, which reduces its ability to prevent moisture from passing through.
You will need to get up on the roof to see this feature closely, and you can also check for damaged shingles while you’re up there. If you spot a lot of rust, it’s time for some new flashing to prevent further damage or a water stain near your fireplace.
Work With a Reputable Water Damage Remediation Company
Water damage is a complicated problem to fix. You must replace or repair building materials and professionally clean your possessions. Tackling this project yourself can also be dangerous, as you may need to get on the roof. Whether you need flashing replaced for a leaky window or wood framing remodeled due to rot in the attic, relying on professionals is the best use of your resources.
When water leaks into your home through your roof or windows, the team at PacWest Restoration can handle the job. We are available 24/7 to take your call because a fast response is the key to saving your home and possessions.
As a family-owned and operated business, we care about our neighbors and look forward to helping you save your home from severe problems caused by water damage. Call us today at 503-746-6545 or contact us online to initiate your water remediation project.
