4 Not So Obvious Signs Your Roof is Falling Apart
Roof issues are common because many factors raise the risk of roof damage. As a homeowner, being mindful of the common risk factors like old materials, weather conditions, and upkeep is essential. Spotting the damage is not an easy task, especially when you have a roof that doesn’t allow safe access without professionals. Observing the interior signs of potential roof damage that you might miss can help your chances of catching a failing roof quickly.
Ceiling stains may be tricky to spot right away but are likely caused by a leaky roof. If you have water stains that extend across ceilings or run-down walls, the cause is probably your roof. Tracking down the leak is the hard part; the roof leak repair is usually simple. Even if it is a small leak, any leak can lead to more significant problems like mold, a rotted frame and sheath, or damaged insulation or ceilings. Typical signs of leaking and mold growth include a musty smell, allergic reactions, or visual signs of mold on the ceilings and walls.
Buckling shingles might not be noticeable, where missing shingles can be more obvious. Buckling shingle results from the shingle not lying flat due to the wrinkling of the roofing underlayment or wood decking. This can be caused by high moisture levels trapped in the system and common during the summer months. To make sure this does not happen to your roof, hire a professional to have the attic properly ventilated. Asphalt shingles are another great way to protect the underlayer from moisture and other outside factors.
Animals on your roof can often be overlooked and may seem normal. No matter how much you love them, animals have no reason to be on your roof. They are usually looking for food, water, or a shelter/place to make a nest, meaning there could be an opening in your roof. Hearing noises at night could potentially mean that something is living on your roof and needs to be removed. Well, there could be a sign of loose tiles or broken piping in your roofing or ventilation. If you spot an animal on your roof, contact a professional.
Gutter aprons are important parts of having a safe roof, and you need one. Sometimes they can fall off without you knowing, or one might not have been installed at all. When water flows off the edge of your roof, most of it will cling to the underside of the shingle and drip toward the fascia (the long wooden board behind the gutters on a house). Missing a gutter apron is a recipe for disaster for any roof. If you have gutters but no gutter apron to stop the water, it will build up behind the gutter. This will cause rotting and may leave behind staining, which can be hard to see when you are not normally looking at the gutters on your roof.
If you think your roof is experiencing any of these hidden signs, give us a call American Roofing & Waterproofing. Let us know if your roof needs a repair or could possibly be experiencing any of these signs can save you money in the future.
