A small leak does not stay small. By the time a stain shows up on the ceiling, water has usually been getting in for a while, soaking into the decking and insulation first. Here is where small leaks start, what they cost you if they are left alone, and how to catch them early.

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Where small leaks start

Plumbing vent boots. The rubber collar around each pipe cracks in the sun, often around year ten. This is the most common leak we find.

Flashing. Metal around chimneys, walls and skylights pulls loose or rusts. Caulk used in place of proper flashing dries out and cracks.

Valleys. Where two slopes meet, water concentrates. A worn or poorly lined valley is a common leak source.

Lifted shingles. Wind breaks the seal on a shingle, and rain blows under it.

Popped nails. A nail that backs out can punch through the shingle above it.

What happens if you wait

The decking rots

Water soaks into the plywood under the shingles. Wet plywood delaminates and softens, and eventually the new roof needs new decking under it.

Mold grows

A damp attic in Texas heat is ideal for mold. It spreads across decking and insulation and can get into the living space.

Insulation stops working

Wet insulation compresses and loses most of its value. Your AC works harder and bills go up.

Drywall and ceilings fail

Water collects on top of the ceiling drywall until it stains, sags, and in bad cases comes down.

Pests move in

Damp wood and gaps around a leak attract insects and give rodents a way in.

How to find a leak early

Check top-floor ceilings after heavy rain, especially around light fixtures and in closets

Look in the attic with a flashlight for dark spots on the decking or wet insulation

Watch for peeling paint or bubbling near the tops of walls

Notice musty smells in upstairs rooms or the attic

Keep in mind that the stain is often not directly under the leak. Water runs along the decking or a rafter before it drips.

What to do if you find one

Limit the damage

Put a bucket under the drip, move anything valuable, and turn off power to any wet light fixture. A small hole at the low point of a bulging ceiling lets the water drain instead of bringing the ceiling down.

Take photos

Photograph the stain, the attic and any damage outside. If the leak came from a storm, you may have an insurance claim.

Call a roofer

A repair that lasts starts with tracing the water back to where it gets in. Caulking over the spot above the stain rarely holds.

How to prevent leaks

Annual roof inspections, plus one after every major storm

Replace cracked vent boots and loose flashing before they leak

Keep gutters and valleys clear

Trim trees that rub against the roof

Questions homeowners ask

Is a small leak an emergency?

It is not usually a middle-of-the-night emergency, but it should be fixed within days, not months. The longer water gets in, the more it damages.

Will insurance cover a leak?

If a storm caused it, often yes. If it came from wear and tear, like an old vent boot, usually no. The repair is usually much cheaper than the damage it prevents.

Call (855) 741-ROOF and tell us water is getting in. Leak calls go to the front of the line.

Why Small Roof Leaks Become Big Problems