Your roof protects the interior of your home from whatever lies in the outside environment. The roof protects its residents from ice, harsh winds, storms, hail, debris, leaves, branches, sun rays, etc., if it is in good condition. A well-maintained roof also enhances the aesthetic of your home. Your roof is proof of how well you take care of your property – if a roof is drooping, covered in algae and moss, and looks dilapidated, then it impacts the value of your home and vice-versa. A poorly maintained roof also increases the risk of leaks, the growth of mould and mildew, and other issues in your home. Even a tiny leakage can cause major problems in the house.
There are some signs of roof structure damage that you must look out for. Listed below are some signs to keep an eye for:
Shingles
Check for missing tiles, stones, or shingles on your roof. With time, extreme heat and wind can cause things to become loose and shift from their original locations. Shingles can also be removed from their strips by animals. A roof with missing shingles is more vulnerable to weather and wildlife damage. Homeowners can fix uneven spots without affecting the functionality or lifespan of the roof if they spot these signs early.
Shingles that are pitted or cracked may be the result of hail damage. The shingle will be more vulnerable to failure as a result of these impact pits.
A sudden build-up of shingle granules, the black sand-like material that covers shingles, in your gutter runoff is also a red flag to watch out for. The loss of these granules can be a sign that your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan.
Attic Leaks
If you find leaks in your attic, then you must understand that something is wrong with your roof. Any leaks should be taken seriously and fixed right away to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. You may have to incur costly mould removal services and a new roof if you ignore these issues for too long.
Water Damage
Another sign that indicates roof damage is water stains on walls and ceilings. Inside the house, leaks in the roof can sometimes be seen in the most obvious ways. You will easily be able to spot dark water stains developing on walls and ceilings. Water stains or mouldy patches on your attic’s rafters or the siding outside your house can potentially be signs of a leak. Depending on where they are, these water stains may be a sign of a leak in the plumbing or roof. Leaks can cause hazardous mould to grow and deteriorate your home’s structure from the inside out.
Mould Growth
Mould development around the intersection of your external wall and roof frequently indicates a gutter issue. The gutter may be backing up even if there is a minor obstruction, such as a clogged downspout or a loose flashing. Avoid the temptation to just clean the mould on the spot; instead, get in touch with a roofing expert like WABO Professionals, and let us get to the root of the problem and solve it. It is possible that water seeping through your walls is seriously damaging the structure, and you are unaware of it.
Loose Step Flashing
Step flashing creates a waterproof shield between your roof’s shingles and vertical surfaces such as chimneys, siding, and skylights. A channel is formed, which allows water to run directly beside your siding if this flashing becomes loose. This may result in leaks, the growth of mould, or the cause the siding to fail. Since this kind of problem is harder to spot from the ground, you will probably notice it when cleaning your gutters or if any windows in your home have a view of your roof. These kinds of hidden issues are one of the main reasons for having frequent roof inspections conducted by professionals like WABO Roofing.
Fascia and Soffits
Check for corrosion around the fascia and soffits. Cracks, decay, and missing wood around the fascia and soffits are indications of water damage along the roof or a problem with the gutter drainage system.
Sagging
Sagging is a severe issue that indicates water damage. If water damage is not addressed, it can erode the structure of your roof and cause the weight of the roof to bend the supports underneath. You must get in touch with us to fix this situation. Depending on the type of damage, the roof may require just reinforcing of undersized rafters, or if damage is more severe, then you may even have to replace your roof entirely.
Damaged Gutters
Gutters play a crucial role in weatherproofing your property as they safely direct water away from your home. Even though they have an important task to perform, they may also sustain damages caused by ice dams, big branches, etc. Check if your gutters have been pulling away from the roof or they are drooping. You must perform an inspection after heavy downpours or similar natural hazards. You should also get in touch with a professional roofer for a thorough inspection of the site.
Damaged Venting
A roof system has many different types of venting. A ridge vent or an attic vent may be present on your roof in addition to outlets for bathroom fans. By allowing hot air to exit your attic, these vents help in moisture build-up. If these vents are made of plastic, they will eventually break and let water into your attic. Ridge vents and metal vents might also malfunction if the winds are very strong. Similar to Step flashing, this kind of problem is difficult to spot from the ground. The best way to ensure that the venting is functional is to have it professionally inspected.
Professional Roofing Services
WABO Roofing offers professional roofing services in the neighbourhood. You can get in touch with us for all types of roof jobs.
