Roof leaks are a common issue that most homeowners have to deal with at one point or another. If you spot the signs of a roof leak and get repairs made straight away, you won't have to worry about it becoming a bigger issue, but knowing what to look for is sometimes easier said than done.

Liberty Roofing has over two decades of experience as a professional roofing company operating out of Kansas City, and has repaired countless roofs during our time in business. We've seen roof leaks pop up from a variety of issues, and below have outlined some of the most common signs homeowners should be on the lookout for.

Stains on Your Ceiling

If you notice discoloration on the ceilings in your home, there's a good chance there's a leak coming from your roof. These stains are typically yellow or brown and can be found near the edges of your ceiling, and are one of the most noticeable signs of water damage. 

Water stains aren't just an eyesore—if left untreated, they can lead to structural damage or electrical issues in the long run.

Strong Odors or Dampness

Just like ceiling stains are due to excessive moisture in the house, another indicator that you may be experiencing a roof leak is a strong musty odor inside your home, or even feeling more dampness in the air than usual. 

One way to eradicate these unwelcome symptoms is to get a dehumidifier for your home, which will dry it out and suck the excessive moisture out of the air. This won't take care of the leak, however, so you'll still want to invest in some smart roof repairs.

Mold Has Started Growing 

If you ignore warning signs like ceiling stains or a musty odor, your roof leak could result in the presence of mold in your home. Mold thrives in humid environments, making a home exposed to water damage the perfect breeding ground for it. 

There are many reasons mold could be present in a home, so finding it in your attic or other areas near your roofline are the culprits you're looking for to determine if it's coming from a leaking roof.

Missing or Damaged Shingles

Even if the interior of your home seems to be functioning normally, that doesn't mean you aren't experiencing a leak. If a storm recently passed through the Kansas City area or another type of damage occurred, you'll want to inspect your roof from the outside as well. 

Look for loose or missing shingles as you walk around the perimeter. Even loose shingles aren't properly protecting your home, and could be a vulnerable point where water is making its way underneath your roof. 

Roof Flashing is Damaged

There are several components to a roofing system that, if compromised, could result in leaks, such as the flashing. Flashing is a thin metal material usually installed at critical points on a roof, such as where your roof connects to walls or around chimneys and vents. 

Damaged flashing could easily allow water to get through and could show up in many different forms, like:

  • Presence of Rust or Corrosion
  • Flashing is Loose or Lifted
  • Cracks or Splits in Material
  • Visible Gaps Around Chimney or Vents

Since 2003, Liberty Roofing has been a trusted roofer among Kansas City homeowners for expert roof repairs and more. We install top-of-the-line roofing materials from leading manufacturers to ensure that our repairs won't just take care of problems for the short-term—our repairs are meant to last as long as the rest of your roofing system.

Get in touch with Liberty Roofing today for a free estimate on our roof repair services, and hear more about what we can do next time you experience a roof leak.