Is Your Attic Telling a Secret? 3 Signs of a Leak During Spokane’s April Showers
- Apr 13
- 2 min read
Spokane is moving into a classic spring rain cycle. With highs of 53°F and light rain forecast for Today, followed by a 40% chance of rain through Wednesday, your roof is about to face one of the first sustained "soakers" of the season.
At Arrow Point Roofing, we know that the worst leaks are the ones you can’t see from your living room. This week, grab a flashlight and head to the attic to check for these three "quiet" red flags:
The "Shiner" Test: Look at the nails protruding through your roof deck. If they look "frosted" or have water droplets on them during Tuesday’s rain, you have a "shiner." This is often a sign of poor ventilation or a tiny bypass in your shingles that will lead to rot if left unaddressed.
Compressed Insulation: If you see "valleys" or matted spots in your blown-in insulation, it’s a sign that water has been dripping there. Even if the wood looks dry now, the insulation tells the history of every storm Spokane had this winter.
The "Musty" Draft: If your attic smells like a damp basement after Wednesday’s showers, your ventilation system may be failing. In 2026, we see many homes where "over-insulating" has blocked soffit vents, trapping moisture and "cooking" shingles from the inside out.
Don't let a small drip become a $10,000 ceiling/insulation repair. While the rain is falling this week, take ten minutes to audit your attic—or call us for a professional 20-point spring inspection.
FAQ:
Q: Why does my attic smell musty only after it rains in Spokane? A: A musty smell usually indicates that your insulation has become damp. In Spokane's spring climate, this is often caused by a small roof leak or poor ventilation trapping humid air. Because the moisture hasn't yet reached your ceiling drywall, the attic is the first place you’ll notice the issue.
Q: What is a "shiner" in roofing? A: A "shiner" is a nail that missed the rafter and is exposed in your attic. During cold Spokane nights, these nails collect frost; when it warms up during a spring rain, that frost melts and drips, mimicking a roof leak. These can cause localized wood rot if not clipped or sealed.
Q: Can I check for roof leaks from the ground? A: Yes. Use binoculars to look for "granule loss" or shingles that look "shiny" or curled. However, an attic inspection is more reliable for catching "slow leaks" before they cause structural damage to your roof deck.
Q: How much does a professional spring roof inspection cost in Spokane? A: Most reputable Spokane contractors offer a basic spring inspection starting around $150–$300, though many companies (including ours) offer these as part of a free estimate for homeowners concerned about winter damage.
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