Undetected roof leaks can cause major damage to a home. One of the reasons for this is that the water leaks are often through very small areas and can go unnoticed until there is a huge problem, like a ceiling starting to crumble.  Those brown stains on a ceiling are usually tell-tale indicators that your roof is leaking, but you shouldn't wait until you spot those marks to check out the state of your roof.  Wise homeowners here in the St. Paul metro should do a little DIY inspection from time to time. One of the best times to check a roof for leaks?  During a rainstorm.  We suggest you put this on your monthly to-do list during the rainy parts of the year. You may spot signs of a roof leak at other times, but while it is raining it is pretty obvious.

We're talking a hard or long rain, not a quick drizzle.  So the next time it starts to pour, head on up to your attic space.  As your roof ages, it's a good idea to do this from time to time, because roof leaks can lead to a whole host of issues, including mold development.  As the water seeps in, your insulation and your wood structural elements soak up the water.  And if mold is left to grow, you can get health problems as well.  So keeping a lookout for a leaky roof is important not only to the structural integrity of your home but the health of your family as well.

Up in the attic space, look for any signs of moving water, like drops sliding down supporting lumber or wet spots appearing on the roof decking overhead.  Look for drips or wet spots on the floor.  You might also see staining, which is an indication this has been going on for awhile.  Check insulation for damp spots.

A leaky roof should not be ignored.  But unless there is a substantial amount of water flowing in or you can actually see a hole in the roof, you're probably safe waiting until the rain stops to arrange for repairs.  After all, emergency roof repairs, especially during a storm, can be expensive.  Watch our blog for our next article on what you can do to temporarily patch those leaks until you can get a roofing company to come out and make the necessary repairs.

Quarve Contracting, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota roofing contractor serving the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.  We do both roof repairs and new roof installation.  And yes, we do make emergency calls when required.  If your roof is showing signs of leaking, contact us for a free inspection.