When you notice a stain on your ceiling or a damp patch creeping down your wall, you might wonder: Is it a roof leak or perhaps a plumbing or HVAC problem? At A.O. Roofing, we understand that pinpointing the cause of a leak can be pretty tricky. That’s why we’ve put together these easy-to-follow instructions you can use to find the issue.
Knowing the Source Matters
A roof leak often starts with problems like granule loss, curling or cracked shingles, exposed mat beneath the shingle surface, flashing wear, soft decking, or persistent moisture. These roofing issues allow water to seep into your home during rain or storms.
Leaks from plumbing or HVAC systems can happen for various reasons, such as pipe failures, condensation, drain blockages, or system malfunctions. Figuring out the correct cause from the start helps save you time and money. Here are some signs to watch out for to help you identify the issue early.
Roof Issues
- The stain appeared quickly after a steady or heavy rain.
- The affected area is near the attic space or the top floor ceiling.
- You spot curled or cracked shingles, missing granules, or visible soft decking in the attic.
- Flashings appear old or separated around chimneys, vents, or skylights.
- You have worn-out shingles, decking damage, or persistent attic moisture.
Plumbing or HVAC Issues
- The leak exists below a bathroom, kitchen, or utility closet.
- The water stain grows even when it’s dry outside and no rain has fallen.
- Your water meter shows usage when nobody is using water.
- There is condensation or sweating pipes, visible HVAC duct leaks, or drips near units.
Bottom Line
If you’re seeing missing granules, crumbly shingles, curling edges, flashing gaps, soft decking, or you know you’ve had chronic roof issues, chances are the roof is the source. If the leak flows even when it’s sunny and dry outside, or the meter moves without water usage, look at plumbing or HVAC.
Get a Free Roof Evaluation!
A.O. Roofing Services offers advanced recovery solutions to restore and protect your property. Contact us today for expert service that streamlines the process and ensures long-term durability.
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