The unfortunate truth is almost all roofs will spring a leak over time. As a homeowner, it is in your best interest to know how to spot a leak. One of the key steps in being able to do this is being aware of common places where a leak is likely to occur. By knowing where these places are, you can make a habit of checking them on a regular basis.

Moisture and Condensation in the Attic

If you are trying to find a leak, and you cannot see any visible water dripping, check for dark spots or mold on the underside of the roof. Other signs of condensation are a mildew smell. If you notice either of these things, there is a good sign that the roof vents have broken underneath the roof's shingles. The purpose of the roof vents is to repel moisture from the roof itself. Over time, the roof vents can become too weak to function properly.

Once the roof has been fixed, it is important to remove any mold in order to prevent further smell and internal deterioration of the roof. Install a large ventilation fan in order to keep the air circulating and prevent such a clash between the internal and external temperatures that your attic is a part of, since it is the uppermost part of the house.

Broken Shingles

If your roof's exterior starts to look like a patchwork quilt, chances are pretty good you have sprung a leak. After all, the shingles cannot protect your roof from leaking if they have been torn off your roof.

Clogged Gutters

During the fall, you will notice if there is a leaf buildup. If water is not coming out of the spouts during a rainstorm, then your gutters are clogged. It is wise and cheaper to fix this immediately as a preventative measure before leaks become a problem. However, if you are noticing that pieces of your roof are clogging your gutters, there is clearly a primary leak somewhere else in your roof.

Flashing

Flashing was created for the sole purpose of making your roof water resistant. If tar erodes, causing the flashing to break, then cracks will be visible, whether the flashing is concealed or not.

Cracked Chimney

After a while, the mud cap and mortared areas will show visible signs of deterioration. This may or may not be accompanied by broken shingles and flashings. A cracked chimney is a problem best left to an expert.

If you have any reason to believe your roof might be leaking, it is best to have a roofing company like Dean Roofing Company inspect your roof for you. The last thing you want to do is wait for a roofing leak to become so obvious it starts raining inside your home.