How to Protect Your Roof from Water Damage

Look at the Attic Ceiling, Roof Sheathing & Rafters for Signs of Roofing Issues & Water Damage

It can be difficult to spot roofing issues from the exterior because it not always entirely possible to climb up onto your roof and take a close look. Homeowners can, however, assess the roof from the interior via the attic. Louisiana homeowners should schedule routine attic maintenance assessments, with additional checks whenever times allows.

Next time you are in your attic, keep an eye out for…

• Leaks or water intrusion
• Damaged or moldy insulation
• Signs of wood rot
• Staining and/or discoloration on wood and/or insulation
• Signs of moisture or dampness
• Condensation on the roof sheathing
• Rusty nails indicating exposure to moisture
• Signs of mold or fungal growth on the rafters or sheathing

Any of the above signs may indicate a roofing issue and water damage. Sudden surges in energy costs could be a sign that your roof ventilation has been compromised by water damage, and your air units are working harder to compensate for the air loss.

If you discover that a roof leak has caused significant damage, call DryMax’s local water restoration team in Opelousas, LA. Specially trained and certified water mitigation professionals will extract remove any excess water, remove water damaged building materials (like damaged insulation), provide the necessary attic mold remediation, and perform the detailed structural drying needed to return a clean, dry & safe environment. 

Monitor Your Walls & Ceilings of Water Intrusion

Once water gets in through your roof and gets loose inside, your interior ceilings and walls are your last line of defense against water damage. Keep your eyes peeled for water stains, discoloration, peeling or bubbling paint, buckling ceilings, peeling wallpaper, and/or warping at building materials. These could all be signs of water damage caused by a roof leak.



Identifying a minor roof leak might be tricky at times. Water's liquid state allows it to flow freely away from its original source. Water damage symptoms (such as stains and discoloration) frequently occur in regions far from the source of the leak. Water can enter at one spot at the roof and run down to another before soaking through the attic insulation and into the ceiling. Signs of a roof leak can also present at the upper half of your walls. If the leak is near an exterior wall or if the water has spread – the water can drip down into your wall voids from the attic, down into your interior space, and saturate the walls. 

Routine Gutter Cleanings & Maintenance

Louisiana homeowners should never neglect gutters and undermine the importance of proper gutter maintenance. Gutters play a crucial role in preventing water damage to your roof and building structure by directing water runoff away from the roof, siding and foundation. It is important to keep your gutters clean and free of debris that can obstruct water runoff. Gutters should be securely mounted to the structure and in good, working condition.



If leaves, branches, dirt and debris are clogging up your gutters, rainwater will get backed up to the edge of the roof surface, soak into the wood sheeting of the roof, and cause water damage to your siding. Backed up gutters become very heavy and won’t hold up over time. Damaged or detached gutters cannot perform properly and will not effectively direct water away from the building structure.

Taking the time to clean and maintain your gutters regularly is one of the simplest ways to protect your roof from water damage. To clean your gutters and protect the roof from water damage, scoop out and remove all leaves and other debris, then take a garden hose and rinse them until they run clear. You’ll get the best results if you clean them twice a year during the fall and spring. You should also consider buying gutter guards to limit debris from entering the water flow inside the gutter.

Assess Roof Exterior for Signs of Damage

Louisiana homeowners should commit to conducting routine roof assessments – pick a day with decent whether and get out there to check your roof. Often times, missing or damaged shingles are in plain sight, and we just overlook them because we are not actively looking for them. If you discover signs of damage, you need to repair it as soon as possible. Minor roof damage can usually be addressed with a simple repair, while severe roof damage spanning more than 30% of the roof might warrant a roof replacement. When conducting an outdoor assessment, remain mindful of the chimney, ventilation pipes, roof flashing, gutters and fencing. All of these can get damaged and affect the condition of your roof.

Things to Look For:

1. Deteriorating shingles -- Curling edges, cupping, cracking, tearing, or completely missing shingles may be indicating that your roof is failing.
2. Dislodged Shingle Granules -- With wear and tear, the textured coating on shingles tend to break off over time.
3. Check for “bald spots” or discoloration in your shingles left by missing granules. 
4. You might also find shingle granules in your gutters that have fallen off your roof.
5. Flashing -- Check for tears or buckling around roof penetrations. Rusting, tearing, buckling, or missing flashing can leak to water intrusion. Flashing is the metal that surrounds chimneys, skylights and vent pipes and often is found in the valleys where roof sections meet.
6. Soffit and ridge vents -- Clogged or damaged vents, flashing and shingles around them curling or missing
7. Gutters -- Look for decay or rust, leaky seams, loosely attached to structure, bent or sagging, missing sections of gutter or downspout. Clogged gutters can easily freeze shut and cause excessive weight on gutter fasteners, ice dam conditions, and slippery walks below.
8. Chimneys -- Check for leaning, loose or missing flashing, damaged bricks, cap or cracked joints. Chimney flashing is especially prone to tearing because a chimney settles independently from the house.

Consult a Professional

As the homeowner, you will always be the first line of defense when it comes to spotting roof damage. However, we all have our limitations. Do not be shy about consulting a roofing professional if the situation seems beyond your personal understanding and capabilities. A basic inspection, conducted by a trained and experienced roofing professional, will spot minor roof damage before it turns into a major and costly problem. Routine inspections at a nominal fee could save you thousands and extend your roof’s lifespan.

What to Do About Water Damaged Caused By a Roofing Issue

Not only will water damage wreak havoc on your property and diminish the structural integrity of your home, but it can promote mold development if it is not addressed promptly. Simply paying attention to your roof and conducting routine maintenance can go a long way in protecting your roof from water damage. If you discover that your roof has suffered water damage, you should consult the certified water damage experts at DryMax Restoration. Water intrusion from a roof leak and destroy your home and put your family at risk, so don’t neglect these issues. DryMax’s damage restoration technicians specialize in water damage cleanup and can help you restore clean, dry and safe conditions. Contact DryMax's local office in Opelousas to learn more -- 337-857-3670.