Parts of East Texas just got up to 7 inches of rain, including the Livingston, Palestine, and Huntsville areas. Rain like that finds every weak spot on a roof: a lifted shingle, a gap in the flashing around a chimney, a valley packed with pine needles. Some leaks show up right away. Many don’t show up for days, because the water soaks into insulation and runs along the framing before it ever reaches a ceiling.
Here’s what to check now, while the damage is still small and easier to fix.
First: is it a roof leak or flood water?
This matters, because the fix and the insurance process are different. A roof leak comes from above. You’ll see it in ceilings, upper walls, around light fixtures, or in the attic. Water that came in at floor level, through doors, or up from the ground is flooding, not a roof problem. For flood water, call your insurance company and a water damage restoration company first. If you have both, deal with standing water and safety first, then have the roof checked.
Signs of a roof leak inside your home
- Yellow or brown water rings on the ceiling, especially ones that are getting bigger
- Bubbling or peeling paint on ceilings or the tops of walls
- Sagging or soft spots in drywall
- Drips around ceiling fans, light fixtures, or vent covers
- A musty smell in upstairs rooms, closets, or the attic
- Water stains on the walls around a chimney or fireplace
A stain that dries out isn’t a sign the problem went away. It usually means the leak only shows up in heavy rain, and the next storm will bring it back.
Check your attic carefully
If you can get into your attic safely, it’s the best place to catch a leak early. Go during the day, bring a good flashlight, and step only on the joists, never between them.
- Look at the underside of the roof decking. Dark spots, wet wood, or water trails mean water is getting through.
- Check nail tips. Nails poking through the decking that are rusty or have drops of water on them are a common early sign.
- Feel the insulation. Wet, matted, or flattened insulation holds water against the ceiling below it.
- Check around anything that goes through the roof. Chimneys, plumbing vents, exhaust fans, and skylights are where most leaks start.
Keep in mind the wet spot in the attic may be several feet away from where the water is actually getting in. Water runs along rafters before it drips.
What to look for from the ground
Don’t climb on a wet roof. You can spot a lot from the yard, especially with binoculars:
- Missing, lifted, or curled shingles
- Shingle granules piled up at the bottom of downspouts or in gutters
- Gutters that overflowed during the storm or are pulling away from the house
- Leaves, pine needles, or branches piled in roof valleys
- Bent or loose metal flashing around the chimney or along walls
What to do right now if you find a leak
- Catch the water. Put down buckets and towels, and move furniture and valuables out of the way.
- Watch for electrical hazards. If water is near a light fixture or outlet, turn off power to that area at the breaker.
- Stay out from under a sagging ceiling. A bulging ceiling can be holding a lot of water. Keep people out of the room and get help.
- Take photos. Photograph stains, wet insulation, and any outside damage, with dates. You’ll want them if you talk to your insurance company.
- Call a roofer soon. Even a small leak can rot decking, ruin insulation, and lead to mold if it’s left through a few more storms.
Will insurance cover it?
It depends on your policy and what caused the damage. Many policies treat sudden storm damage differently from leaks caused by an old or worn-out roof. Call your insurance company to ask about your coverage, and have a roofer document what they find so you have a clear record of the damage.
Get your roof checked before the next storm
East Texas Roofing is a family-owned roofing contractor based in Crockett and serving East Texas since 1973. We inspect roofs after heavy rain and severe weather, find where the water is getting in, and fix it, whether that’s a small repair or a full replacement. We work across the area, including Livingston, Palestine, and Huntsville.
Learn more about our storm damage restoration services.
Seeing signs of a leak?
Call East Texas Roofing at (936) 222-0824 to schedule a roof inspection. We’ll find the source and tell you exactly what it needs.