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10 Signs of a Failing or Damaged Roof
November 3rd, 2020 byLate fall through early winter, you may get a visit from a salesperson from the roofing industry. If your roof is in need of service or repair, there are generally telltale signs. To know if roof repair or replacement is right for your house, consider looking for the following 10 signs of roof damage.
1. Damaged Shingles
One of the most obvious signs of roof damage is missing or broken shingles. Shingles are the most vulnerable part of the roof because they are the most exposed elements. It is not uncommon to find missing shingles after severe weather.
Thankfully, damaged shingles are a straightforward and often inexpensive repair when found right away. If a damaged shingle is left alone, then it is not long before a leak can appear in your attic.
2. Broken Plumbing Vent Boots
Plumbing vents have a boot that secures them to the roof. Over time the integrity of the boot can fail, leading to cracks in the surface. The cracks can lead to interior leaks.
3. Exposed Nails
The roof is a complex structure and one of the most complex parts of building a home. In the process of securing the sheathing to the frame, a contractor may occasionally miss the beam, causing an exposed nail to appear on the underside of the roof.
Sometimes, when you suspect a leak but cannot find a hole, you can use exposed nails as an indicator. On a cold night, go into your attic and look for these nails. The metal should shine when hit with a flashlight. If you find any “shiners”, inspect them for condensation or frost.
4. Clogged Soffits
Ventilation is crucial for a roof; without enough airflow, moisture pockets can develop and cause mold. Soffits are the critical component for allowing air into the attic space. Unfortunately, because of their design, they can easily become clogged or dirty.
Inspect your attic or roof soffits and ensure they are clear. You can sometimes tell if the soffits are blocked because of the humidity or mugginess of the attic space. If the upper level of your home smells musty, then you may want to call for a roof inspection from a trusted source.
5. Ceiling Stains
While you may not notice any apparent damage on your roof, you may come across staining on your ceilings. If you have a stain that is growing, especially after rainstorms, then you likely have a leak somewhere on your roof.
To track the moisture, go into your attic and locate the area above where the staining appeared. You should see more staining on the roof structure or an obvious hole in the roof.
6. Mold
No homeowner wants to find mold inside, but did you know that mold on the outside of your home is often a sign of roof damage? If you see mold where the roof and exterior wall meet, then it indicates damage to your kick-out flashing. If you have a door or window below the affected space, then contact a roofer to have the damage repaired.
Finding mold along an exterior wall is another sign of roof damage, but the issue may not be with the flashing. Instead, you may have a drainage or gutter issue. Whenever mold is involved, it is wise to call a professional for an assessment.
7. Rusted or Clogged Gutters
The drainage system of the roof is crucial to maintaining a durable structure. The gutters and downspouts not only keep water away from the foundation but also ensure an organized route for water evacuation.
Unfortunately, clogged gutters can make water back up underneath the sheathing, which can cause extensive damage. Likewise, if you find that your gutters are rusted, then there is a good chance they are not moving water the way they should.
8. Drilled Holes
Not all roofing damage is natural or age-related. Sometimes homeowners harm their roofs without realizing it. For example, when placing satellite dishes on the rooftop, holes must be drilled to secure it to the structure. Upon installation, the holes may be waterproofed, but if the dish is removed, many homeowners fail to seal the holes left behind.
9. Loose or Rusty Flashing
Roof flashing is a critical component of your roof. The purpose of this typically galvanized material is to direct water away from the more vulnerable areas of the structure. Unfortunately, flashing can rust over time or become loose. When this happens, leaks spring up around chimneys, bathroom fans and other spaces.
10. Missing Aprons
Gutter aprons are necessary to prevent water from wicking under or behind the gutter, affecting the facia, soffits and sheathing. Check your gutter system to ensure that all aprons are present. If you are missing any, then contact a roofer to inspect the area for damage or rot.
While the fall will bring roofing companies to your door, many sales teams are only trying to secure business. Instead of jumping in to a full roof replacement, take a moment and look for signs of damage, or check with a specialist from Five Star Rated for guaranteed satisfaction.