Curious to know the best way to prevent roof problems from getting out of hand? Spot them and address them while they’re still minor. You might have experienced a large serious storm recently. Or maybe your roof has simply aged and you’re concerned it has extensive wear that could become a problem. Let’s face it – a roof is a fantastic way to protect yourself and your home, but eventually every roof will develop issues. In this blog post, we’re taking a look at how to spot and prevent common roofing problems.
Identifying Common Roofing Problems is Step 1
Making a point to monitor your roof throughout the year is always a good idea. Don’t wait for an obvious problem to arise or a big storm to blow through before giving thought to your roof’s condition. Staying on top of roofing issues both large and small will help contain or even prevent common roofing problems from becoming serious.
There are a handful of things on your roof to keep track of. Some you can recognize from the ground or from a ladder resting on your roof line, while other problems can only be spotted while standing on your roof or by a trained roofing professional. If you are unable or uninterested in reviewing your own roof, turning to your local roofing professionals for a complimentary inspection is the perfect option.
- Shingle Issues Torn, missing, damaged, or worn shingles are a roofing problem in the making. While walking on your roof, examine your shingles and note anything that looks worse for wear. Also, if you notice shingle granules in the gutters or on the ground around your home, that could indicate a roofing issue. Please note that hail can be the most damaging to a roof and also the most sneaky for a homeowner. Experienced roofers should evaluate your home after a hail storm.
- Roof Leaks Hopefully you haven’t noticed anything serious yet, so take the time to inspect your attic area, the wooden underlayment of the roof itself, and the ceilings or walls below the roof line. If you notice any darkening or discoloration of the wood or paint, you likely have a roof leak. Water can enter from a number of different areas of your roofing system.
- Broken or Missing Roof Components If nails, flashing, or ventilation components are bent, rusted, missing, or have developed holes, they can cause leaks, encourage water build-up, or allow pests to assemble.
- Roof Decay If roofing problems go unnoticed or untreated, they can cause other, more significant concerns like roof decay. Roof sagging is a sign of long-term damage likely from moisture going undetected or from poor installation. This type of roof damage could possibly be repaired if the rest of the roof is in good shape, but likely a new roof will need to be installed.
- Debris or Mold This type of roof issue is usually obvious to spot. Debris on a roof can either lead to moisture or pests, and any moisture that lingers can start to grow mold. Removing debris and preventing mold can keep other issues from developing and make your roof line look nicer.
- Ice Dams When snow or ice piles up on a roof with poor ventilation, heat can melt the snow but trap the moisture on top and underneath shingles. If it’s possible to remove snow from the north sections of a roof, install better ventilation, or melt the ice, leaks and damage to the roofing components can be avoided. Doing so can be precarious, however, and special care should be taken or a professional roofer contacted to address the ventilation concern.
When Should I Worry About my Roof?
Spotting roof issues can be hazardous, so being extra careful is important. If you notice a problem, take a photo or – when possible – make a mark with white chalk, and discuss repairs with your roofing expert. Often common roofing problems like these can be repaired which will extend the life of your home’s roof.
Your Local Austin, TX Roofing Professionals
We strive to bring you the best in roofing for the Austin, Texas area. We deliver decades of roofing experience, training, and knowledge in this area’s needs. We are a prominent roofing company in residential roof repair and roof replacement. We will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials as a dependable way to stand out from the competition while bringing you the best product and service in Austin.
When we inspect, install, or repair your roof, we want to provide you with the best options for your roof design, components, and ventilation. We are Master Elite Contractors bringing you the latest in roofing technology, and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community.
Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote today.