When was your last roof inspection? Either by you or by a professional?
Don’t be caught off guard. Many people neglect their roofs until it is too late for maintenance. Now the problem can no longer be ignored.
Your roof is the umbrella of safety for your home and its contents. The structure, your furniture, your photos, and much more can be victims of water damage, and can possibly irreplaceable.
Residential roofing materials are designed to be durable and withstand the sun, wind, and other natural elements. But they too will breakdown after years of exposure. Moss and algae growth can accelerate that breakdown.
The older your roof gets, the more frequently you should inspect it. Visually inspect the roof yourself from a safe vantage point when possible. Your local roofing company can offer you recommendations for inspection and maintenance. Knowing these tasks are on your calendar can provide peace of mind. In addition, having a relationship with a local roofing company can come in handy in the event of storm damage.
Whether you have a professional inspection or inspect your roof yourself (or some combination of both), here are some common roof problems to look for.
- Roof Leaks
Sounds obvious but roof leaks are the single most common roofing problems and sometimes they are not visible at first, creating more damage before detection. Leaks can be a result of many roof issues, such as damaged or missing shingles, flashing issues, and more.
Check your attic for water stains or mold. Bring a flashlight to shine into the corners and along the roof line. The leak may be several feet from where it has appeared in your living space.
Leaks are common near the chimney and around skylights and vents as they are flashing points. Check around gutters and look for damage or debris there.
A visual inspection of your roof is an excellent idea. On a quarterly basis and after a storm. Call a professional if this is not something you are comfortable doing.
- Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a material often made of sheet metal and used to protect the roof from leaking at junctures with fixtures such as skylights, vents, and chimneys. If your flashing is damaged or missing, the fixture become vulnerable to water.
A thorough roof inspection includes an examination of the flashing, and your roofer will advise you of any damaged flashing that should be replaced.
- Missing or Broken Shingles
Depending on the age of your roof, you may start to see some signs of age including damaged or missing shingles. As the sealant ages the shingles may loosen and break off completely. These should be replaced promptly and should indicate that the professional inspection is in order. The missing shingle could be a one-off, but if other shingles are loose, you want to know about it.
- Roofing Granules in Your Gutters and Downspouts
A new roof may shed a few granules in the weeks/months after installation. However, if your roof is getting on in age and you see granules in your downspout, this may be a sign that your shingles are losing their integrity and may need to be replaced.
Granules are built into the shingle to protect the roof from UV rays, and once they fall off, the shingles are vulnerable and start to crack.
- Mold and mildew
When roof angles and gutters collect debris, the roof holds water. The moisture remains on the roof where normally it runs away and dries.
This can form mold or mildew, leading to roof damage.
Finding a way to keep the debris off your roof or a means to regularly clear it away is important to the life of your roof. The roof is designed to have water run off it. Pooled moisture will harm the roof and cause long-term issues.
- Tree Damage
One of the most common roof problems homeowners face is damage from falling branches and trees, especially during the rainy season. The best defense is to keep the trees trimmed away from the home. Sometimes this is not always possible especially when the fateful limb came from the neighbor’s tree.
- Damaged Roofing Materials
Nature is a major contributing factor to the deterioration of your roof, and your best plan includes regular inspection and maintenance. Catching the issue early will potentially save you money and prevent loss.
Make a Plan for Your Roofing Inspection
We have looked at some of the most common roofing problems and how a little attention and maintenance can avoid larger problems.
Contact us today for roof inspections, repairs, & more!
Have you had a roof maintenance check lately? Let’s work together to be sure your roof is thoroughly inspected and well-maintained. Contact Harlan Quality Roofing online today or call (916) 292-9548 for roof repairs or replacement.
