Knowing if you have a roof leak can be difficult, especially if it's coming from a hidden source. Don't ignore these 7 surefire signs of a roof leak.

The 2017 hurricane season was the most expensive in US history with over $200 million of damage . Some of the damage may well have been to roofs but you don't have to have a hurricane to get a leak in your roof.

Knowing if you have a roof leak can be difficult, especially if it's coming from a hidden source. Don't ignore these 7 signs of a roof leak.

Signs of a Roof Leak

Routine checks of your roof can be very revealing. They can give you advanced notice of a potential problem. Better to resolve a potential problem early than wait for the damage to be done. Plus your local roofing company will do this for free!

1. Mold

Mold needs water to grow. If water is getting into the fabric of your building, it can encourage mold to grow.

Mold can be dangerous as it breaks down building materials and can weaken what it is on. It also looks bad. In some cases, mold can be damaging to your health , especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma.

2. Distorted Shingles

The first signs of this may be distorted looking shingles. Look for twisted or warped shingles. Any water that is entering the structure at this point may travel some distance before it shows signs elsewhere in the building below.

3. Stains

A leak may cause discoloration on your ceiling. It may not be very obvious to start with but will gradually get worse. You may detect a darker ring around the outside of the leak.

Over time the damp attracts mold or algae. This then discolors the ceiling leaving the tell-tale stained ceiling.

Stains on the inside of your home could be on walls, around windows or in corners. It's unwise to ignore any new stain. No matter how small or lightly colored the stain is, investigate its source.

A small stain does not mean that the leak is only small. It may indicate a bigger problem elsewhere.

If there is enough water, a leak can actually result in dripping water. This can form puddles inside your ceiling and gradually spread.

4. Damp External Walls

Look out for mold or moss growing on external walls. These indicate that there is a continuous supply of water. If you don't take action the problems on the outside of the wall could lead to damp problems inside.

A damp wall may be the first indication that there is a problem elsewhere. Check above the wall for blocked gutters, down-pipes or other problems with the roof.

5. Flashing Damage

Many corners and joints in your roof will be protected by flashing. These areas are potential weak points in your roof. As such, they can be prone to damage and leaks.

A regular check for cracks splits and loose flashing is a good way to nip any problems in the bud. Make a check of your flashing part of your seasonal routine. At the end of the summer and after winter is a good time to check to prevent damage from leaks.

6. Lost Shingles

A routine inspection of your roof is sure to discover any lost shingles. Without a planned inspection you may not notice until it's too late and damage has already started.

It's also a good idea to make a check of shingles if you've had some severe weather conditions such as a rainstorm, hail or high winds. Look to see if any shingles have been lost, broken or otherwise damaged. Get missing shingles repaired immediately.

7. Gutters Dripping Water

The most obvious sign of a leak from a gutter is the sight of dripping water. This may occur when there is rainfall on the roof or later after the rain has stopped.

A dripping gutter means that it is not doing its job right. The purpose of a gutter is to take rainwater away from the structure of the building. A drip means the water is not being taken away.

A leaking gutter allows water to enter the structure of your home. Here it can damage your home long after the rain has stopped falling.

If your gutter is blocked it will overflow causing a drip. If the debris in your gutters is made up of roofing material, check to see if this is because of other damage to your roof.

If the gutter is damaged water may leak through the gutter. The gutter should be repaired to prevent any further damage.

When you need a roof repair, engage a reliable roofing contractor. Not all roofing contractors are the same.

A roof repair can protect your home from major, expensive damage. It's important to have the job done but it's difficult to check the work because of its location. That's why finding a reputable roofing contractor you can rely on is so important.

Talk to contractors and ask them for references and reviews. Select a contractor with ethics. One who has shown a commitment to your community such as Austin Roofing and Construction who donated free roofs to the Community First Village.

Take Action

A roof leak is an urgent problem. Take action as soon as you see signs of a roof leak. You'll be glad you did and avoid the cost of major repairs.

Or, if you would like to DIY check out this cool article by Ownerly https://www.ownerly.com/home-improvement/ceiling-leak