Many property managers believe that roof leaks only show up as water dripping from the ceiling. However, water is opportunistic; it follows the path of least resistance. Often, a leak originating on the roof will travel down the interior of the wall cavity, showing symptoms on your exterior siding or stucco long before it ruins your ceiling tiles. Here is what to look for on your exterior walls.
1. Stucco Staining and Efflorescence
If you notice dark streaks or white, powdery deposits (efflorescence) on your exterior stucco walls, it is a sign of water migration. The white powder is mineral salt left behind as water evaporates out of the concrete. This often points to a failure in the roof's drip edge or coping metal, allowing water to get behind the wall cladding.
2. Peeling Paint and Blistering Siding
When moisture is trapped behind exterior paint or wood siding, it forces its way outward, causing the paint to blister, peel, or bubble. Siding might warp or begin to rot. If this peeling is concentrated near the top of the wall or directly underneath roof valleys, the roof flashing is likely compromised.
3. Cracking Near the Roofline
Small cracks in stucco are common as a building settles. However, large horizontal cracks near the roofline can indicate wood rot and structural swelling. When the wooden roof deck or truss plates absorb water, they expand, cracking the stucco surrounding them. Have a professional surveyor perform an infrared moisture scan to pinpoint the leak source.