Is Your Roof Prepared for Extreme Weather?
Spring and Fall time are a great time to look ahead for any trouble signs related to your roof. If you are experiencing any roofing issues from leaking etc., presently, your issues will likely multiply as the weather changes from one extreme to the opposite. As a guide to what to look for, we have organized a short list of the most common trouble signs that indicate your roof may be aging or has received damage.
If you run across one of these issues below, be sure to consult a certified roofing inspector soon to check the problem area and make sure you are protected. We will be happy to assist in any way with a free inspection and replacement estimate by one of our certified inspectors. Please let us know how we can help you by calling 888-543-5638 or by visiting our roofing page for more information on each product line we offer.
Age of Your Roof? (Most basic question)
If your roof is more than 15 years old, you should really begin to look for the following trouble signs and even consider scheduling a free roofing inspection. Waiting for a leaking issue to occur is not something we promote. Be proactive, your roof is the most important feature on the outside of your home since it provides the largest amount of protection in terms of square footage.
Buckled or Wavy Shingles?
Are your shingles lifted from their natural flat position they should be in? Are your shingles jammed together which ultimately cause them to buckle upwards? Look for any sign of roofing nails popping out of your roof? All indicate wear and tear on an older roof that is close to a replacement.
Shingle Blisters?
Ouch, ouch we hate blisters! So does your roof. You should look for small pimple like blisters on a wide area of your roof. If you do have blisters it is a result of trapped moisture underneath the shingle or excess roofing cement. Blisters do not cause leaks but indicate a larger problem where moisture is trapped or is finding its way out from your attic. Improper attic ventilation is usually the culprit here.
Missing Shingles?
This is pretty self explanatory, any missing shingles is bad sign since your roof is exposed to extreme weather elements like rain, snow, and ice. Be sure to consult a replacement contractor immediately.
Shingle Granule Loss?
That textured surface you see on a shingle is a collection of granules and they provide protection. Loss of these granules from your shingles can occur from natural weathering or if you recently had work done on your roof, foot traffic can cause shingle granule loss. Look out for granules at the end of your downspouts.
Algae or Dirty Looking Stains?
Look for dark streaks or stains that appear on your roof. Both are due to granule loss on your shingles. Most of the time, it is caused by an airborne fungus called ‘Gleocapsa‘ which thrives in high humidity areas like the Mid-Atlantic and southern portion of the United States. Newer shingles are better at preventing this buildup but cleaning solutions are available as a quick fix for an older roof.
Leaking Issues?
A leaking issue is a major sign that your roof is not doing its job in protecting your home from outside elements. Remember water will find the path of least resistance so any exposure can lead to expensive damage repairs. The most common roof areas where leaking occurs are around chimneys, skylights, and plumbing vents. Some other things you can look for are again algae stains, soaked insulation in attic, or black rings around the nails that are used to secure the shingles in place. All leaking issues should be addressed as soon as possible.
Adequate Ice Dam/Water Shield Protection?
If your roof is more than 15 years old and you have not had any work done recently, you most likely do not have what is called an ice and water barrier. By code now, in all northern states (North Carolina border northward) the barrier is required on new roofs around the eaves, valleys and also around chimneys to provide protection vs. dangerous ice damming and water that can occur in portions of the country that receive extreme weather. We all remember past winters where rampant ice damming occurred. The average damage claim for ice and water can run upwards of 5k in lot of instances so it is not something you want to take lightly.
So there you have it, the most common trouble signs related to roofing problems. Be sure to check out our roofing page for more information regarding replacement services.
Do you have any follow-up questions to our post? Feel free to drop us a reply down below.
Photo Credits:
(www.midsouthconstruction.com)
(www.roofing.com)
(www.olympicroofing.com)
(www.allseasonsroofingusa.com)
