Water Damage & Spring Leaks: What You Need to Know
While Mesa, Arizona, might not have harsh winters compared to other areas of the country, the cold weather can still get depressing. After winter, spring’s warmth, beauty, and rainfall are always welcome.
However, while rain might be a good thing overall, it can lead to spring leaks for your roof. Roof leaks in heavy rain are known to occur even in desert areas of Arizona. When storms do roll in, they are occasionally severe and sudden. These rare but intense storms can bring water damage and roofing problems, and because precipitation is more of a rarity here, you may not realize that your roof is in significant need of repairs until you have leaks.
What You Need to Know About Water Damage and Roofing
Roof leaks in heavy rain are common, but they aren’t the only cause of water damage. Even well-installed roofs made of quality material can experience problems. All roofs have a lifespan. This lifespan typically ranges from 20 to 50 years for residential roofing systems. So even if you perform routine roofing maintenance and make repairs swiftly, your roof might just be getting old.
Storm damage of all kinds can also lead to leaks. While storms might not happen often in Mesa, the wind is a concern. Heavy gusts can blow debris onto the roof. Also, if you have trees close to your rooftop, branches could break and lead to dents, cracked tiles, or broken shingles.
Types of Water Damage and Signs to Look For
While water damage from roof leaks might be evident if you have water dripping into your home, other kinds of water damage aren’t so apparent. Often, water damage occurs before you even realize it. Knowing the signs of water damage to your roof can help you spot a problem quickly. So, remember to be on the lookout for the following:
- Water spots on the ceiling
- Rust or mold on the ceiling
- Missing shingles or tile on the rooftop itself
Keep in mind that water damage can seep into attics or insulation before you see signs inside your home. One of the best ways to prevent roofing damage is to get annual roofing inspections from an experienced contractor.
What Kind of Damage Do Roof Leaks Cause?
You might be wondering if spring leaks on your roof are really that big of a deal. After all, many parts of Arizona don’t get a lot of rainfall as it is. Still, the truth is that leaks and moisture buildup can damage homes in the area. Some common kinds of roof damage caused by leaks and moisture problems include:
- Stains on walls: Moisture can damage drywall and the wall itself, leading to a gray or dull color.
- Damage on ceilings: Water issues often impact ceilings. They are likely the first area you’ll notice, as ceilings can become stained or discolored.
- Mold: One of the biggest concerns with a roof leak is mold. While not all types of mold are dangerous, many are, and it’s not worth the risk. That’s why it’s vital to fix water problems as soon as possible. If your roof leaks, you could end up with a mold problem in just a few weeks.
- Insulation problems: Even though you can’t see your insulation, it’s likely to be damaged if your roof leaks. Spring leaks can destroy your insulation and cause dampness, mold, and more. If you don’t act quickly, you could end up having to replace a lot of the insulation. Black mold is also a risk of soggy insulation.
- Damage to the home’s structure: If you fix the water problem on your roof quickly, you likely won’t end up with structural damage. However, if you wait, you could have issues with your rafters, support beams, wall studs, or even decks.
- Broken or ruined personal property: While you might only associate roofing issues with certain parts of your home, a water leak could damage the personal property inside of it, too. Water leaking into the home can destroy everything from electronics to furniture to art on the walls.
Water damage is a significant concern. If you notice any of these signs, act quickly and contact your trusted roofing contractor.
How to Prevent Water Damage From Roof Leak
Fixing water damage can be costly and challenging. The best way to address these issues is to deter them before they start or worsen. After any big storm, it’s wise to assess your roofing system. You can do some visual inspections on your own, but the best way to ensure your roof is in good condition after a spring storm is to call Paramount Kanga Roof.
Even if you don’t notice any signs of damage, it’s still recommended to get a roofing inspection at least once a year for your home. For commercial properties, twice-yearly roofing inspections are strongly suggested.
Get Reliable Roofing Repairs From the Experts
Worried about the state of your roof? Suspect your roof is leaking? Don’t wait to get an assessment. It’s best to act quickly to prevent expensive damage. Contact Paramount Kanga Roof today to request a service visit.