Your roof is one of your home’s most important structures, so it’s important to watch for problems that must be addressed. Some of these are obvious, while others require a closer look to be spotted.
Before you hire a roofing company, ask about workers’ compensation and liability insurance. A reputable company will be happy to provide proof of these policies.
Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common roofing problems. They can be caused by various issues, including broken shingles, poorly installed tiles and roof flashing problems. Suppose a homeowner notices water leaking from the ceiling or walls. In that case, they should immediately call a professional roofer to inspect the damage and determine what needs to be done to fix it.
Moisture is another common roofing problem. It can cause mold, mildew and rot, leading to structural damage. It can also cause serious health issues, so homeowners should ensure sufficient attic ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.
Poor attic ventilation can also cause a number of problems, including excess heat build-up, which can wear down the sheathing and shingles. It can also contribute to ice dams in the winter, which can be a safety hazard and cause extensive water damage.
Other issues that can cause leaks include poor attic insulation, clogged gutters, and overhanging tree limbs. These limbs can rub against the shingles and cause them to lose their protective top layer, and they can also fall on the roof during high winds and cause damage. Homeowners should regularly check roofs and keep limbs well-trimmed to avoid these problems.
Damaged Shingles
Missing shingles detract from curb appeal and leave your home vulnerable to moisture. This can lead to costly water leaks that require a professional roofing company to fix.
Your roof’s primary function is to protect your home from the elements. When shingle damage occurs, it can cause serious problems and require a professional roof inspection from roofing companies like EMT Solar to find the source of the problem.
Damaged shingles may have a blistering appearance, with the surface appearing to bubble. This is a sign of deterioration, and if left untreated, rot can spread to the rest of the shingle system.
You may notice a dark streaking on your roof, called “black mold streaks.” This results from excessive moisture on your roof and often leads to a need for a new roof.
Over time, shingles can become cracked from exposure to hot and cold temperatures. This cracking can compromise the integrity of your roof and allow moisture to seep through, causing further damage to your home and its contents.
Over time, moss and algae can grow on your roof and stain it with a distinctive brown, black or green color. This unattractive staining can weaken the sheathing, leading to a sagging ceiling, roof leaks or even a sagging roof.
Damaged Flashing
A common roofing problem is damage to flashing. Flashing is a metal strip that runs along the edges of roof seams, chimneys, skylights and other features on your home’s rooftop. If this metal is damaged, moisture can leak behind the shingles and cause serious water damage. It is important to check the condition of your flashing each time you do gutter cleaning or crawl up in your attic.
A rusted, corroded or bent flashing is a sign that it needs to be replaced. If you notice that a section of your roof has raised shingles around it, this is another sign that the flashing is no longer doing its job. If your shingle flashing is damaged, you should call a professional roofing company to have it replaced before it leads to a roof leak.
It is also important to look for roof eaves and valleys gaps. Several things can cause these gaps, but a missing shingle is one of the most common. Missing shingles can be difficult to spot from the ground, but you should pay special attention during annual roof maintenance inspections.
While many homeowners will contact their insurance adjuster first after a storm, it’s always best to get your roofing contractor immediately. Your roofing contractor will be better equipped to handle the initial inspection of your roof and may include line items in their estimate that your insurance adjuster might need to account for.
Damaged Gutters
Gutters are one of the first lines of defense against extensive damage to a roof, as they keep water from seeping into the structure. If they are damaged, however, the entire house can be at risk of leaks and mold growth. It is important to have gutters that are in good condition and regularly cleaned, especially during stormy weather.
A professional roofing company will be able to identify any problems with the gutter system and fix them before they cause further damage to the roof. They may also be able to help homeowners with their insurance claims in case of storm damage. However, homeowners should know how shady contractors often try to rip off homeowners and their insurance companies.
One of the most common problems with gutters is that they become clogged. Clogged gutters overflow, causing the standing water to damage the shingles and roof. They can also cause erosion of the clay or sand under a building’s foundation, leading to serious structural damage. Gutters can also develop holes from rust or from being punctured by falling branches and sharp tools. If you find a spot in your gutter, it is essential to patch it immediately so the problem does not spread to the rest of the system.
