As a homeowner, you want to ensure your roof
is in perfect shape. Any missed damage that goes unnoticed could cause
extensive damage throughout your roof and home. You should be checking your
roof routinely and having annual inspections. Use these common signs of roof
damage every homeowner should know to stay on the lookout.
- Water Stains
If you notice brown stains on your ceilings or
walls, this could be an indicator of a leak. Other signs of leaks could be
water bubbles beginning to form and mold starting to grow. All of these signs
could be caused by a leak from your roof. The leak could be stemming from a
hole in your shingles, a missing shingle, or worn-down caulking. Water damage
from a leak can become quite expensive to repair if left unattended.
- Gutter
Problems
If your gutters are not functioning properly,
there could be an issue. Your gutters are meant to move rainwater from your
roof down to the ground without damaging your roof. However, if your gutters
are sagging, pulling away from your roof, or full of debris, you could
experience additional roof damage due to water not being able to properly move
to the ground.
- Poor
Ventilation
Proper roof ventilation is crucial to the
airflow of your home. As heat rises, it can accumulate in your attic. All of
this warm air needs to be able to find a way out of your home. If the hot air
is trapped, it can result in mold growth, condensation, damaged insulation,
cracked shingles, rust, and damp paint in your home.
To learn more about roof ventilation and its
importance, learn more here.
- Curled
Flashing
Flashing is a metal component of your roof
that is placed around chimneys, skylights, and vents which helps move water
away from these openings in your roof. Over time, the flashing inevitably ages
and becomes worn down. The most common damage seen is rust from water and
cracking from high temperatures. Damaged flashing can result in water leaks in
your vents, chimney, and skylights.
- Damaged
Shingles
Shingles are the front line of defense against
the outdoor elements. If any of your shingles are missing or damaged, the rest
of your roofing materials are left susceptible to harm. Damaged shingles are
one of the most obvious signs of roofing damage. There are three types of
damage that shingles can incur: curling, crackling, and blistering. Curling is
when the edge of the shingle begins to pull away from the rest of the roof.
This could be caused by age, trapped moisture, and hot & cold temperatures.
Cracking can occur from poor roofing ventilation, UV ray damage, or storm
damage. Blistering happens from a combination of poor roof ventilation and a
high amount of moisture, causing the shingle to expand.
To ensure your roof has not suffered any
damage that hasn't been addressed, schedule a roof inspection with a qualified
roofing company. Our team at Roof It Forward offers a free video roof
inspection to allow our trained professionals to show you proof of any
concerning areas and go over any necessary repairs. Schedule your consultation
with us today.
