A brown ring on the ceiling is never welcome. In McDonough and across Henry County, heavy summer storms and long stretches of rain can reveal small weak points in a roof. The good news is that many leaks come from a handful of predictable places, and finding the source early keeps repairs smaller.
What to do right away
- Move furniture and electronics away from the drip and catch water with a bucket.
- If the ceiling is bulging with water, keep people and pets clear of the area.
- Take photos of the stain and note when it appears. Does it leak in every rain or only with wind from one direction?
The usual suspects
Pipe boots
Plumbing vents pass through the roof with a rubber collar around them. Sun and heat break that rubber down over time, and a cracked boot is one of the most common leak sources we see.
Flashing
Metal flashing seals the joints where the roof meets chimneys, walls and skylights. Loose, rusted or poorly sealed flashing lets water run behind it and into the house.
Valleys
Valleys carry more water than any other part of the roof. Worn shingles or debris piled in a valley can push water under the shingles during a heavy storm.
Missing or lifted shingles
Wind can break the seal on shingles or blow them off entirely, especially on older roofs. A single missing shingle can let water reach the deck.
Attic condensation
Sometimes the problem is not a leak at all. Poor ventilation can cause moisture to condense in the attic and drip onto the ceiling, which can look like a roof leak.
Repair or replace?
If the roof is in good overall shape and the problem is isolated, a targeted repair often makes sense. If the shingles are near the end of their life, leaks are showing up in several places, or the decking is soft, it may be time to compare the cost of repairs with a replacement. An honest inspection with photos should make that choice clearer.
Do not wait on a small leak
Water that gets into the decking, insulation and drywall can lead to rot and mold. The sooner the source is found and fixed, the smaller the repair usually is.
Questions about your roof? See our roofing services or call (470) 488-9764 to schedule a free roof inspection. Ask about our first responder and military discount.