How Do I Know If My Roof Is Leaking?

Common signs of a roof leak include water stains on ceilings or walls, a musty smell in the attic, peeling paint near the roofline, and visible daylight through the attic decking. If you notice any of these, it is worth scheduling an inspection quickly, since even a small leak can lead to bigger problems over time.

Inside the home

Water stains on ceilings or upper walls are usually the first thing homeowners notice, often as a yellow or brown ring. A musty smell, especially in an attic or upstairs closet, can mean moisture has been sitting for a while, even if you have not seen a stain yet. Peeling paint or bubbling drywall near the roofline is another sign worth taking seriously.

In the attic

If you can access your attic, look for dark spots or streaking on the underside of the decking, damp insulation, or any spot where you can see daylight coming through. Mold or mildew smell in the attic is also a sign that moisture has been getting in.

On the roof itself

From the ground, look for missing, cracked or curling shingles, tile that has slipped out of place, or flashing that looks lifted around chimneys and vents. These are the spots where water most commonly finds its way in.

What to do if you suspect a leak

Schedule an inspection as soon as you can. Leaks rarely stay small, and the longer water sits in a roof system, the more likely it is to cause structural damage that costs far more to fix than the original leak would have.