Common Roofing Problems and How to Fix Them
Common Roofing Problems and How to Fix Them
Your roof provides your home with protection from the elements, but it's not indestructible. Over time, high winds and debris can damage shingles or loosen tiles causing leaks and structural damage if left unrepaired. Broken shingles or tiles should be addressed quickly so as to prevent leaks or structural issues arising later.
Leaks
Leaky roofs can be one of the worst roofing problems homeowners can encounter, leading to mold growth, damaged framing and sheathing, compromised insulation and costly interior damages. A leaky roof should be addressed immediately; even small leaks left unattended can become major structural issues over time.
Leaks often form around penetrations like chimneys, vents, skylights and dormers. They may also appear in valleys or at the intersection of different roof planes. If you suspect a leak on the roof, check for water marks on the ceiling; water tends to run down plastic vapor barriers between drywall and attic insulation and seep through, so leaks may show up far from where they originated on the roof.
Those with attic access can also inspect their attic space for signs of wet insulation or discolored sheathing and rafters, and stained areas on sheathing and rafters. Without access, seek help and soak targeted areas on the roof with water from a garden hose while watching for any leakage inside the house.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are a serious threat that should not be neglected. Even if they do not immediately cause a leak, missing shingles can eventually lead to one as sheathing beneath becomes exposed and decayed – leading to mold growth or mildew growth underneath that can spread quickly throughout your home's upper floor or attic spaces and cause costly interior damages such as replacing insulation, sheetrock, texture paint or wood trim replacement costs.
If you notice loose shingles in your home, it is a smart idea to contact a residential roofing company immediately for help. While this may be expensive, the expense will far outweigh paying to repair water damage to the interior of your home from leaks. Also keep in mind that many homeowner policies require them to take reasonable care in maintaining their properties – ignoring damage will less likely prompt insurers to pay out for any claims due to storms that result from interior damages caused by inaction on your part.
Mold
Mold can wreak havoc on any roof. From eating away at shingles and causing rot to weakening its structure altogether, mold poses serious threats that must be dealt with immediately – both environmentally and health wise. It should also be considered a health hazard for anyone living with allergies, asthma or respiratory conditions.
First step to combating roof mold growth is identifying exactly what is causing it. Streaks or spots on your roof could actually be moss or algae instead, so to be certain use a scrub brush to brush away as much of the dark streaks as possible and wear a mask while doing this process.
After you have eliminated as much fungus as possible, it's time to use a fungicide solution on any remaining areas affected. Allow enough time for penetration before manually scraping away any mold growth that remains. Finally, ensure there is adequate air ventilation in your attic in order to keep it dry and prevent future outbreaks of fungi growth.
Water Stains
Water spots on ceilings are an unmistakable telltale of a roof leak, as the spots form when liquid seeps down into the ceiling and evaporates, leaving behind discolored deposits on its way out again. Left unchecked, these spots could lead to extensive water damage that needs immediate attention.
Professional roofers can quickly identify the source of roof stains by inspecting the surrounding area. If the spot lies near a pipe, leaky pipes could likely be responsible.
Contamination may also be the source of staining; this occurs when excess frost builds up during colder weather and melts as soon as temperatures warm up. A roofing expert would often suggest adding insulation to keep the attic warmer and prevent frost build-up in future.
Missing or damaged caulking and flashing are another factor contributing to water stains on roofs, leaving moisture-prone spots exposed and vulnerable. Leaks in skylights, chimneys, vents, dormers, window frames or any penetrations may occur as a result.
Common Roofing Problems and How to Fix Them Your roof provides your home with protection from the elements, but it's not indestructible. Over time, high winds and debris can damage shingles or loosen tiles causing leaks and structural damage if left unrepaired. Broken shingles or tiles should be addressed quickly so as to prevent leaks…