Your roof not only improves the aesthetic appeal of your home, but it also protects your property from the elements. Over time, roofs can develop problems and may need repair. The sooner you deal with roof damage the better. From water damage to structural and insulation damage, there are several costly consequences of ignoring roof problems. In a worst-case scenario, a damaged roof can cave in, injuring people around it.
Here are some signs your roof is damaged and needs immediate repairs from a local company in Marin County.
Damaged/ Missing Shingles
Asphalt shingles prevent rainwater from intruding into your home. Like almost everything else, shingles deteriorate with time and will eventually need to be replaced. Sometimes, shingle problems can develop gradually, while other times they can appear unexpectedly (shingle damage caused by a storm). You know your shingles are damaged if shingle granules regularly end up in your gutters and downspouts.
Damaged or missing shingles fail to prevent water and moisture from entering your home. Water damage can cause various problems such as rot, mold growth, and structural damage.
High wind events can cause serious damage to your shingles, especially if they’re on their last legs. Strong winds can lead to tree branches dropping on your roof or may tear shingles off. Regardless of the cause, you will want to have shingle damage addressed as soon as possible. Inspect your shingles regularly (particularly after a storm) and replace damaged or missing shingles immediately.
Water Stains
U or V shaped water stains on your roof or walls can indicate roof damage. Staining often means that moisture is trapped between your shingles and the roof sheathing. Even if there are no leaks inside, it’s important to address the problem promptly to prevent mold growth and potential structural damage.
Mold Growth Where Your Roof and Exterior Wall Meet
If mold is growing in the area where your roof and outer wall meet, you may be dealing with a gutter problem. Maybe you have a blocked downspout that is causing your gutters to overflow or a flashing section may have come loose. Roof runoff is usually the worst when water can seep easily behind the trim. You might not notice signs of rot for years, and then one fine day, you may discover, to your dismay, that your sheathing and/or framing are damaged beyond repair. Instead of cleaning only the area in which mold is growing, have a professional perform roof repairs in Marin County to address the root cause of mold growth.
Damaged Gutters
Your gutters channel water away from your foundation, protecting it from water damage. There are several causes of gutter damage. Leaves and other debris from an overhanging branch can build up in your gutters over time causing damage to them. Other common causes of gutter damage include poor installation and maintenance.
Regardless of the cause of damage, damaged gutters can cause water damage. Your foundation may develop cracks which can affect your home’s stability in the long run. If your gutters are leaking, but still structurally sound, cover the damaged area with roof and gutter repair tape. Gutters that are damaged beyond repair will need to be replaced.
Is your gutter apron missing? Some of the water that runs off your roof’s edge, clings to the underside of the shingles and trickles down towards the fascia. If you have gutters, but no gutter apron, water can leak behind your gutters, causing your soffit, fascia, and eventually the roof sheathing to rot. You know your gutter apron is missing when you start seeing water stains below the gutter on your soffit and fascia.
Loose Step Flashing
Your step flashing creates a watertight seal between your shingles and chimneys, skylights, or protruding siding on your roof. When the flashing comes loose, a channel that allows water to run down next to your siding is created. This can cause mold growth, siding failure or leaks. The problem is harder to spot from ground level, and you’ll probably only observe it during gutter maintenance or if your house has windows that overlook the roof.
Sagging
Sagging is a serious roofing problem, typically indicating water damage. If left unaddressed, a sagging roof can cause a number of problems including leaks. A leaky roof is susceptible to water damage, which can affect its structural integrity. In a worst-case scenario, a sagging roof may start to cave in, causing damage to the home. Before things take a turn for the worse, schedule professional roof repairs in Marin County.
Curled/ Corroded Flashing
When visually inspecting your roof, remember to check the flashing for signs of damage.
The flashing is a thin layer of metal that connects the roof to the chimney. A roof may also have flashing around its vents, skylight windows, valleys, or where it meets the walls. Your flashing is designed to direct water away from areas vulnerable to water damage. Regular wear and tear can cause flashing to curl, crack or corrode. Small holes in roof flashing can be repaired using roofing cement. If, however, your flashing has suffered extensive damage or is severely corroded, it will need to be replaced.
Roof Vent Problems
If you have a plastic roof vent, check its housing to see if it is cracked. Homeowners with metal roof vents should inspect their seams for damage. Replace damaged vents as soon as possible. Also, look out for nails that are either missing or have been pulled out at the base’s lower edge. Replace them with screws equipped with rubber washers. Usually, you can detach a vent by removing nails from beneath the shingles on either side.
No matter how complicated your roofing project is, ARS Roofing & Gutters can manage it from start to finish. Our roofing technicians have amassed a wealth of knowledge that enables them to accurately diagnose and address the root causes of roofing problems. To learn more, call (415) 459-7200.