Homeowners’ Guide to Spotting and Fixing Top 5 Roofing Concerns
What would you say is your largest asset? Or even your biggest investment to date? It’s easy to start thinking about that expensive television, the new SUV in the garage, or your beautifully remodeled kitchen. But what’s protecting your fancy television and new kitchen appliances? Your house. And what exactly is protecting your house? Your roof.
Your roof really does take a beating, especially in this great state of Pennsylvania where the weather is as unpredictable as the Eagles’ playoff chances. Roofing problems can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Not only can they lead to costly repairs, but they can also put your family’s safety at risk. Fortunately, many roof-related issues give off warning signs that are easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 5 roofing problems that homeowners should fix as soon as they are identified. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of things to keep an eye out for.
- Leaks. Leaks are one of the most common roofing problems and can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor installation, missing or damaged shingles, and clogged gutters. Leaks can lead to water damage, mold, and rot, which can be costly to repair. If you suspect a leak, it’s important to have a professional inspect your roof as soon as possible. One or more of the following signs could be an indicator of a leaking roof:
- Water stains or damp spots on your ceiling
- Water streaks running down interior walls
- Moist drywall or paint around light fixtures or electrical outlets
- Interior paint bubbling or peeling during hard rains
- Dripping sounds inside your home
- Water stains on rafters or roof sheathing inside your attic
- A musty smell in the house, especially in the attic
- Poor ventilation: One of the most critical factors in the durability of your roof is proper ventilation. Without it, heat and moisture build up in an attic area and combine to cause rafters and sheathing to rot, shingles to buckle, and insulation to lose its effectiveness. Never block off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents, or soffit vents, even in winter. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture, which could result in increasing roofing material life, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the comfort level of the rooms below the attic.
- Standing water: When water begins to pool or form small ponds on top of the roof, it can cause problems. This is a particular worry when it comes to low sloped roofs; the solution is to form tapered areas over the surface of the roof. Those little slopes will allow the water to run off, keeping your roof free from damage caused by standing water. If you see ponding water on your roof, don’t ignore it. By following proper drainage practices, homeowners can help to ensure their roof will remain durable and reliable throughout its service life.
- Proper roof maintenance: The key to a roof system’s effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, the structure and interior of the building are vulnerable to water damage and rot. The problem is likely to spread; nearby shingles also are ripped easily or blown away. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible. Routine cleaning of gutters is also highly recommended to prevent issues. While annual roof inspections are not necessary, we would recommend having your roof inspected at least every five to seven years as.
- Overgrown trees: It probably goes without saying that if a tree limb crashes into your roof, you’re in trouble. What many homeowners don’t know is that you might also be at risk if branches are rubbing against your roof every day. Trees cause several problems for your roof when they are too close to your home. First, moss and algae can grow on moist wood shingles and shakes. They hold even more moisture to a roof system’s surface, causing rot and deterioration. Tree branches touching a roof also will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage or even puncture shingles and other roofing materials. Leaves on a roof system’s surface retain moisture and cause rot. Finally, leaves and debris in the gutters also block drainage and cause the gutters to overflow.
Homeowners should be aware of the most common roofing problems and take action to fix them as soon as they are identified. Leaks, sagging, missing or damaged shingles, clogged gutters, and lack of maintenance are all issues that can lead to costly repairs. Regular maintenance and professional inspections can help to prevent many of these problems, so it’s important to have your roof inspected by a professional every few years. Taking care of your roof will not only keep your family safe but will also increase the lifespan of your roof and save you money in the long run.
If you’re looking for an emergency roof repair, routine maintenance, or a roof inspection for peace of mind, don’t hesitate to call Eiseman Construction. Our team of experienced professionals would love to assist you in your remodeling or home improvement needs.
Here at Eiseman Construction, we offer a variety of services that will help you to extend the life of your roof, siding, and gutters. It is important to keep up with preventative maintenance in order to keep your home in good shape. Click here to get in contact with us for any exterior repair work that you may need!