There are plenty of things that can go wrong with a roof follow along to read the most common types of roof damage. Save yourself thousands of dollars on a new roof by looking for common signs of roof damage. Regular roof inspections are your first line of defense in protecting your home and the best way to tell if your roof is damaged.
How To Tell If Your Roof Is Damaged
Common Types Of Roof Damage
Damaged Plumbing Vent Boots
Plumbing vent boots are available in steel, plastic, and hybrid plastic/metal. Check the seams around the base and look for cracks. Then, examine the boot around the pipe. If it’s torn or rotted, water works its way along it into the house, causing water damage. Replace the boot to solve the problem.
Dark Spots and Water Stains
One common type of roof damage that can’t be ignored is the appearance of dark spots and water stains. If you notice stains extending across ceiling boards in the house, you have a roof leak. The repair is the easy part – locating the leak is the challenge. Call a roofing company near you for a professional roof inspection if you can’t find it; it’s not going away.
Shiners
If the ceiling stain is small and you don’t see flow marks on the boards, check inside the roof structure for nails missing from the framing member.
Moisture condenses on cold steel nails. They’ll appear frosted in cold weather. The frost melts as temperatures rise during the day, dripping onto the ceiling boards. Clip the nail with side-cutting pliers to solve the issue.
Dirty Or Clogged Soffits
Proper ventilation in the attic is crucial to the roof structure and the health of occupants. It starts with the soffit vents. The intake air from outside creates airflow to move warm air out of the attic through the roof vents.
After air enters the soffit, it moves through the air chute along the roof’s underside, expelling into the attic. If they’re dirty, it affects the airflow and results in condensation building up on the roof, causing rot.
Plastic attic soffits are available at building suppliers and home centers, and they fit them to each rafter to keep airways clear between the roof sheathing and rafters.
Mold Where Roof and Exterior Wall Meet or Mold on Exterior Walls
Installing kick-out flashing where a sidewall meets the roof edge is crucial. If you don’t have kick-out flashing installed, the water runoff from the roof flows down or into the wall.
If there’s a window or door below the water leak, it allows water to move behind the trim, causing rot and mold. Many homeowners don’t notice this rot and decay until it begins to damage the framing and sheathing.
In cases of extreme damage, the stucco might be the only element holding up the wall. The result is eventual structural collapse. If you notice mold growth on an exterior wall, it’s usually a sign of a leak.
Wind Damage and Missing Shingles
High winds can wreak havoc on your roof, leading to wind damage and missing shingles. If you’ve experienced a storm with strong winds, be sure to check your roof for any displaced or damaged asphalt shingles. Broken shingles can lead to leaks and damage to the roof structure, rotting away beams. Locate the broken shingle and replace it before it escalates into a more significant problem.
Rusted Gutters
Leaks in gutters typically start at seams or in rusty spots. The expansion and contraction of metal gutters cause these problems, leading to leaks.
If the gutter is structurally sound, stop the leak by using gutter tape to cover the damaged area. You’ll find gutter tape readily available at hardware stores or building suppliers. Remember to remove all rust, corrosion, and tar from the gutter using a putty knife before applying the tape.
Roof Vent Issues
Inspect for cracks in plastic components and broken seams on steel vents. Please don’t assume you can fix the issue with caulk; it won’t last. You have no other option but to replace the vents.
Missing Gutter Apron
Rain flows off the roof’s edge, and some of it clings under the shingles and flows to the fascia boards. If there’s no gutter apron to stop the water flow, it wicks behind the gutter, rotting out the soffits, fascia, and roof sheathing.
Rusted Chimney Flashing
If you have a brick chimney, it could be the cause of the problem. The chimney flashing rusts, even though it’s galvanized steel, resulting in leaks. Check around the 90-degree bend at the foot of the flashing.
Hail Storms and Asphalt Shingles
Hail storms are a common weather phenomenon that can take a toll on your roof, especially if you have asphalt shingles. Hailstones can damage shingles, causing granule loss and leaving the shingles vulnerable to UV rays. Over time, this wear and tear can lead to leaks. Keep an eye on your shingles after a hailstorm to check for damage.
Contact Local Roofing Contractors for Repairs and Replacements
In cases where you discover significant damage or you’re unsure about the extent of the issue, it’s essential to bring in trusted roofing contractors in your area. Professional roofers can assess your roof, provide expert advice, and offer solutions for roof repairs or replacements. Don’t hesitate to contact a roofing company in your area when you suspect severe wind damage, hail damage, or any structural issues. The best roofing companies will help you navigate the process of filing an insurance claim if necessary.
Regular roof inspections are crucial in protecting your home from the common types of roof damage. Whether it’s wind damage, hailstorms, or structural issues, being proactive in addressing problems can save you money and a roof replacement earlier than expected. Remember that your roof plays a vital role in protecting your home, and taking care of it ensures that your shelter remains safe and secure for years to come. So, keep an eye out for these signs of damage and act promptly to safeguard your investment.
Castilla Roofing | West Palm Beach Roofing Company
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