4 Most Common Roofing Problems that Require Immediate Attention
06/10/2019
Age and the weather inevitably take their toll on roofs and can cause some serious roofing problems down the road. Some of the issues they cause can be prevented to an extent, but some, on the other hand, simply cannot be influenced.
What you can do as a homeowner, is conduct regular roof inspections and maintenance and call you roofer at any sign of serious issues. Having roof repairs done on time, as well as replacing your roof when it has reached the end of its lifespan is vital in order to keep your home’s structural stability intact.
Here are some of the most common roofing problems that will require immediate professional attention.
1. Shingles Losing Granules
Granules on asphalt shingles have three important roles:
- They add to the curb appeal of your home, as they can come in many different colors
- They protect the roof from fire as they are fire-resistant
- They protect your roof from UV rays and prevent its deterioration
If you’ve just had your roof replaced and your roof is relatively new, then noticing granules in your gutters, on the roof or around your home is completely normal. Those are the leftover granules that weren’t fully adhered to the shingle. It is also normal to encounter some minimal granule loss throughout the roof’s life cycle, as the adhesive inevitably wears down over time and causes some of the granules to fall off. This is a regular occurrence caused by the usual wear and tear.
If, on the other hand, you start to notice unusually high amounts of granules around your home, especially in your gutters, then that is a cause for concern. Shingle granules are similar to sand and if they start appearing in your gutters on a regular basis and in big amounts, you should call your roofer as soon as possible. It is a clear sign that your asphalt shingles are deteriorating, losing their function, and have probably reached the end of their functional life. It can also lead to the deterioration of other underlying structures, as well as point to other roof issues. In most cases, this is a sign that your roof needs a replacement.
Granule loss is a problem that shouldn’t be ignored and left unattended for long, so make sure to get in touch with your roofing company as soon as you can.
2. Moss Growth
Moss is a common occurrence on roofing systems, especially in humid climates. Moss is also a very annoying and even dangerous occurrence that needs to be nipped in the bud as soon as possible.
It is usually found in the spaces between shingles, but also on the surfaces of shingles. Once it starts to grow and you don’t notice it in time, it can easily spread on your roof.
It may surprise you but moss can lead to some serious water damage on your roof, decking, and even in the interior of your home. It soaks up water very easily, practically like a sponge, and the more moss you have, the more water is stored inside. That water can then seep in between your shingles, underneath them, and eventually reach the wooden decking and the interior of your home.
If left unattended, moss can then cause rotting, water damage, and mold and mildew inside your home. If the moss growth and the subsequent damages have grown to such an extent that both your roof and the underlying structures have deteriorated, a roof replacement might be in order.
You should call your roofing contractor to inspect the roof and the damages, give you a professional estimate, and advise you on the best course of action. In order to prevent moss altogether, you should schedule professional roof inspections and maintenance once or twice a year.
3. Leaky Roof
A leaky roof is one of the most common problems that roofers deal with and also one that should be taken care of immediately.
Roof leaks are sometimes very obvious and you can detect the actual places where they occur, but other times, on the other hand, it takes a trained eye to detect them. A roof leak can reach the interior of your home and present itself in the form of stains and dark marks on your walls and ceilings. You may also notice your paint peeling and blistering on the walls.
Finding the source of these leaks can be very difficult so if you notice such stains and damages, it is best to call a professional roofer immediately. They will inspect your roof, find the source of the problem, and give you a professional estimate. You may need some roofing repairs, but if the leak is a bigger one that has affected the overall structural stability, you may need a complete roof replacement.
4. Drooping Roof and Soft Spots
A drooping roof usually means that there are some underlying issues with your roof or its structures, such as poor ventilation or complete absence of it, improperly installed roof decking, and similar issues.
A drooping roof is not necessarily a serious issue in itself and your roofer will be able to deal with it without major issues. The problem, on the other hand, arises when soft spots appear on your roof.
These soft spots are usually the result of water pooling on the roof and water pooling can be the result of drooping. They can cause further structural issues as well as roof leaks.
As homeowners don’t climb on their roofs very often, it is hard for them to know when the water starts to pool or when the soft spots appear. That is why this problem can sometimes go unnoticed and result in a roof replacement. If you want to stay ahead of problems and make sure your roof is in good condition, the best way to do that is to keep up with your professional annual roof inspections.
Conclusion
The issues above are some of the most common issues we encounter. These are also the issues that require immediate attention so that the damage does not spread to other structures of your home. Whether these problems result in roof repairs or in roof replacement, you can be sure that your best roof replacement company has got your back. We will make sure to give a quality roof that will last you a lifetime.