Often overlooked, at least in comparison to other house repairs and maintenance, roofs are one of the most critical components of your home. While they are designed to last for a long time, they do require maintenance and an eventual replacement as the building ages. Additionally, having periodic inspections of your roof performed by a contractor can help you identify problems early and avoid costly repairs down the line. Let’s take a look at some common issues.
Faulty Shingles
Shingles are the first line of defense for your roof and are critical to avoid additional problems. They should always be flush with the roof and it’s important to identify when you have curled or cracked shingles. Likewise, if there are completely bare spots that have lost their shingles entirely, its a sign that repairs need to be carried out.
Interior Damage
If water is getting past the roof and into your home, the damage will usually begin to occur to ceilings and walls, particularly upstairs. If you notice any damage of this type, it is important to have your roof inspected as soon as possible.
Sealant Damage
Protrusions from the roof must be sealed along their edges to prevent water from gaining access to the inside of the home. Things such as chimneys, vents, and skylights must have proper seals, also known as flashing, to prevent seepage. If you have an older home, consider having the roof reflashed to take advantage of modern techniques and materials.
Growth
Algae and moss can take hold of your roof, which can be indicative of other problems. Algae can be rinsed with a low-pressure wash from your garden hose and particularly troublesome patches can be scrubbed with a water/bleach mix. Moss, mold or fungi require significant moisture to grow and their presence could be indicative of water being trapped inside the roof. If you see this type of growth, contact a roofer to examine the roof in greater detail.
Ponds
A fully functional roof should cause water to run off, but deformations in the surface of the roof can impede this. These indentations are known as ponds and they can be a sign of subsurface issues or a source of problems all on their own. Contact a roofer if you spot a pond.
Sagging
Roofs will naturally begin to sag over time, but you should always remain on guard for excessive sagging. Left unchecked it can lead to caving, which requires a complete roof replacement. This is especially important in areas prone to snow, as the weight of particularly heavy snowfall can collapse an unsteady roof.
By keeping a general eye on your roof and performing routine spot checks for the issues mentioned above, you can extend the life of your roof significantly and get repairs when they are needed instead of when it is too late. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, we invite you to contact our service personnel at 631-750-2837. We are Noah Construction & Builders and it would be our genuine pleasure to assist you.
