Roof Issues
Roof issues can be very concerning to homeowners especially when they go unresolved. Not only does roof damage deteriorate your roof, it can also cause damage to the inside of your home. The dangers that a damaged roof can cause are not worth putting off the repairs. One tiny abrasion to your roof can mean you now have a roof leak, and if we know anything about roof leaks, that means water has intruded and is on its way to forming mold. There are also many factors that need to be considered to ensure you have a full functioning roofing system.
Mold & roof leaks
Mold can form if roof leaks occur. There are many ways this can happen. Loose shingles from storm damage and aging building materials are two ways roofs can become damaged. Wind is also one of the main culprits for causing roof damage. When heavy wind blows, it can cause shingles to chip away at the edges causing them to lift and become loose. This can actually impact the surrounding shingles to become out of place as well. If the damaged shingles aren’t immediately fixed, the next time high winds occur, the surrounding shingles will continue to become unbound and impact the shingles surrounding them.
signs of a roof leak
There are signs you can look for when assessing whether or not you have a major roofing issue. Clear signs of a problem include yellow/brown stains in the form of puddles on the ceiling that can be viewed from the inside of your home. Roof leaks are very common especially if you don’t perform routine maintenance on your home. There are also many signs to look for on the exterior of your home. Again, pay attention to the placement of your shingles. Are they curling or cracked? Are they loose? It is also best to pay attention and maintain your gutters. Your gutters are directly connected to your roof. When gutters go unmaintained, they tend to sag adding access weight to you’re the roofing structure. This can cause your roof to be susceptible to mold formation due to access moisture buildup.
More signs of a roof/household leak are:
- Unexplained musty odors in any part of your home
- Bubbling paint
- Brown stains on your ceiling
- Curling shingles
- Condensation such as fogged windows
- History of past flooding or water damage
- Health symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, rashes, congestion or headaches
Weather & your roof
Different seasons can bring on a plethora of roofing issues. If you live in a climate where all four seasons occur, your roof goes through different wear and tear then someone living in a tropical climate. What everyone needs to know is all rooves are not created equal. Metal rooves may be best for cold climates and clay tile roofing system may be best for tropical climates.
Performing your own visual inspection is a great way to figure out if you have roof issues. However, when you start to see signs of damage, or after a storm, it is best to call a licensed professional to do a thorough inspection. A tip your future self will later thank you for is to update your homeowner’s insurance to cover roof damage. Homeowners are surprised when they find they don’t have coverage at times when they need it the most. The easiest way to do this is by contacting your insurance provider directly.
Resolving what can be seen as small issues, can save the longevity and quality of your roof. Performing independent inspections can help identify problems, but remember to always confide in a professional inspection/roofing company when issues arise.
