If you’re planning to do a bit of home maintenance this season, make sure your roofing system is a top priority. It’s large, complex, and invaluable in keeping your home free from extensive weather damage so it’s crucial to ensure it remains in its best shape. To do so, however, it would pay to learn about the common problems that affect your roof’s ability to keep the harsh elements at bay.
As a homeowner, you can perform a superficial check up of your roof from the ground. To make sure you didn’t miss anything, it’s time to call in a roofing contractor. With their skills and training, they can conduct a more comprehensive inspection of your roofing system’s condition, determining issues that affect it. Most importantly, a roofing contractor can suggest and carry out solutions that will best deal with problems at hand, such as:
Professional assistance goes a long way in keeping a sturdier, healthier roof.
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Roof Leaks
Small roof leaks may be a minor problem but they can worsen over time and leave your home open to extensive water damage, especially after a particularly harsh rainstorm. It pays to be alert for warning signs of a leaky roof, which can include:
- Water stains that appear like a large, brown puddle on your ceiling. If you notice something like this or any sort of discoloration on your walls or ceiling, it may be indicative of a roof leak.
- The presence of pooled water inside your home means you have a drip. Check your ceiling for signs of moisture or mold.
- Water streaks along your exterior can mean trouble where the roof meets the wall. Sometimes, the leak originates from clogged gutters. Rainwater can back up inside the system, and flow to the roof deck, which then causes the leak.
Be vigilant for signs of water stains and streaks in and outside your home.
- Damaged shingles. They can be curling, buckling, or cracked. If you have missing shingles, your home is likely to be more prone to water penetration.
- Torn or loose flashing. These thin pieces of a metal cover the most vulnerable areas on your roof. Damage to them means failing seals at joints, which will allow leaks to form.
The first thing a roofing contractor will do is to trace the source of a roof leak. Once the source is found, patching or repairs may be done, depending on the severity of the problem. Leaks usually travel so where you spot them is unlikely to be where they originated as well. Enlisting the aid of a roofing contractor means finding the source sooner, letting you address the problem at the soonest time possible.
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Roof Condensation
Gaps and other openings from roofing insulation allow warm, moist air from rooms to escape and collect as. Check your insulation for indentations or “dimples” that appear like it’s been rained on. Excessive moisture in the attic space can lead to mold growth, which may cling to the roof’s underside and damage it. Your roofing contractor will address this issue by replacing your insulation. Depending on what will work best for your home, your roofing contractor may also suggest swapping your current insulation for a different kind, something that will work better at keeping air leakages at bay.
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Improper Attic Ventilation.
However, roofing insulation can’t do all of the work maintaining the ideal temperature inside your home–you’re also going to need proper attic ventilation. Failing or damaged vents allow heat to build up, which leads to premature wear and tear on the roofing materials above. It can also negatively affect your home’s thermal comfort and energy efficiency. If you notice an increase in your home’s cooling bills, it may be time to give your roofing contractor a call.
Look out for damaged insulation and ventilation.
To address the problem, they may repair your damaged venting and, depending on the inspection results, add more to promote better air circulation. This way, your attic expels humid air and keeps the space cooler. This helps prevent early roof damage while letting you enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment and reduced cooling bills.
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Weather Damage
Hailstorms and high winds may come and go without apparent effects, but this doesn’t always mean that your roof has been spared from damage. After particularly strong weather, do a quick inspection from the ground to see if your roof sustained the following:
- Hail Damage. Does your roof have cracks and dents? Hail can damage your roof on impact, leaving these signs. This type of problem goes unnoticed until these penetrations are big enough to cause trouble. As they compromise the integrity of your roofing material, cracks and dents make it easier for water to enter your home, resulting in leaks.
- Wind Damage. Like hail damage, wind damage is tricky to spot. High wind speeds may loosen some of your roofing shingles, with succeeding incidents tearing them off completely. This leaves parts of your roof bare, defenseless against further attacks from the elements.
To head off further problems, it’s best to consult a premier roofing company for the job. Aside from being armed with the right tools and necessary experience to be effective, a roofing pro will also be familiar with local building codes and regulations, ensuring workmanship that adheres to safety and quality standards. With a pro, you’ll have greater ease of mind knowing the work will be handled smoothly from start to finish.
Extend your roof’s service life through professional inspection and repair work.
But while a professional roofer has what it takes to address roofing problems, they can also do a lot to prevent issues from cropping up in the first place. This is where maintenance programs come in. Roofing contractors may have different ways of going about maintenance programs but each one will include regular inspections that will allow your roofer to spot problem areas before they worsen. Ideally, roof checks are carried out twice a year but do give your roofing contractor a call immediately after severe weather hits your area to schedule an inspection and address any damage right away.
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Author Bio:
More fondly referred to as Bill, William Krech is an expert in the home improvement industry. Armed with decades of experience, he specializes in exteriors and loves sharing tips about doors, siding, and roofing, helping homeowners discover the best solutions for their needs. Check out the company blog for updates from Bill!
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