How To Tell If a Roof Leak is Serious

February 2, 2024

A leaky roof is a nightmare for almost every homeowner. It can ruin your floors, damage your ceilings, and even lead to more dangerous problems such as mold growth. It's very important to detect roof leaks quickly and take immediate action to fix them.

However, not all leaks are the same. Some are minor with easy DIY fixes, while others are so severe that they require professional attention. This post will outline two ways to determine if a roof leak is serious so you can take the right steps to protect your home.

The Size of the Leak

The size of a roof leak is often a reliable indicator of the severity of a leak problem. Small leaks, such as those caused by a few missing shingles or a tiny hole in your roof, may lead to minimal water intrusion and can often be easily repaired with DIY solutions.

In most cases, you only need a basic understanding of your roof's components and some simple tools to fix these small leaks.

However, you shouldn't neglect these small leaks as they can rapidly expand, especially during periods of heavy rainfall, leading to more significant damage. Water naturally follows the path of least resistance and will continue to seep through any existing weaknesses in your roof's structure. This means a small leak can quickly become a big problem, especially if your roof is already compromised by other issues.

But as the size of a leak increases, so does its potential for serious damage. Larger leaks, where water is pouring or gushing in, often signal a more serious issue, such as a structural failure.

These types of leaks can lead to widespread water damage, affecting not only the integrity of your roof but also potentially damaging the interior of your home—from your attic insulation down to your ceilings and walls.

In these cases, you need to immediately seek professional help from a roofing contractor who can accurately assess the damage and provide an appropriate solution. Oftentimes, the solution to a widespread leak involves a full roof replacement, especially if it's an older roof with extensive damage.

The Duration of the Leak

A prolonged leak, regardless of size, can indicate a more serious underlying roofing problem. A leak that persists even after repair attempts might signify more extensive damage that is not immediately visible.

Over time, persistent water intrusion can weaken your roof's structure, degrade insulation, and damage vital structural components. These risks are compounded if the leak is in an area with high foot traffic, such as a roof deck or patio.

Aside from structural damage, long-standing leaks can create a conducive environment for mold and mildew growth. The presence of mold implies that the problem has been going on for a while, as mold needs moisture and time to develop. These biological hazards thrive in damp areas and can quickly proliferate if you fail to take action on time.

Consequently, this can lead to poor indoor air quality, posing serious health risks to your family, such as respiratory issues and allergic reactions. This adds another level of urgency to fixing such leaks to ensure the safety and well-being of your household.

Roof leaks shouldn't be something to take lightly. They are essentially ticking time bombs that can quickly leave a trail of destruction in their wake.

Contact DeShazo and Son Roofing, Inc. today if you suspect a serious roof leak or require assistance with any other roofing issues. Our team of experienced professionals can help diagnose the problem and provide efficient solutions to keep your home safe, dry, and comfortable all year round.

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DeShazo and Son Roofing Community Service for the VFW

June 4, 2025

DeShazo and Son Roofing was founded in 1962 by Joe Motley DeShazo Sr.; a World War II navy veteran. We understand the importance of the men and women that sacrifice for their country and ensure the freedoms we enjoy every day. This past year we were granted the opportunity to partner with QXO (formally Beacon Supply) and the Beacon of Hope Program to give back to this community. The VFW Post 622 in Petersburg, VA is a non- profit organization dedicated to connecting, servicing and advocating for combat veterans that have been involved in overseas conflicts. Over the years their roof had fallen into disrepair. They needed assistance in replacing it to give our veterans a safe place to congregate. When they were one of the five organizations selected in the entire country for the beacon of hope program, John Gibson reached out to see if we were interested. Our senior estimator, Matthew Corker, didn’t hesitate and got to work planning out the project. This project was approximately 3,000 square feet of flat roofing. We tore off the pre-existing EPDM roofing system down to the deck. We then replaced it with a fully adhered TPO system. At the completion of the project, we were honored to receive a plaque from the post members thanking us for the services to their building. We are grateful to be in a position where we can give back to the community. The members of the VFW have given so much to all of us, and we are humbled to help them in their time of need. We look forward to more opportunities to give back to our community in the future and to continue working with the Beacon of Hope program.