Learn about the 14 vital signs that show that your roof needs repair
Problems with your roof can cause costly repairs to pile up. You’ll need new shingles, roof mold removal, and, probably, much more. Instead of waiting for those problems to pile up, get ahead of the problem.
Don’t wait for your roof to leak! Read on to discover the signs you need a new roof. By learning to identify these signs, you can take action before roof leaks occur.
Identify these symptoms of a leaking roof to keep your house safe.
It is a prudent option to invest in a flat roof for your home. Not only is flat roofing cheaper to install, but flat roofs can last a long time. If you take good care of your flat roof, it can last up to 50 years. However, that doesn’t mean flat roofs are immune to damage. They are not.
Certain prominent signs indicate that your roof is damaged and professional roof repair will be done soon. If you have a roof, and especially a flat roof, and want to make sure the integrity of your roof isn’t compromised, this blog post is just the thing to read.
We have listed the signs that tell you that you need to repair your roof (including flat roof) as soon as possible.
1.Damaged plumbing vent boots
Plumbing vent covers can be plastic, metal, or even two-piece metal units. Check for cracks in plastic bases and damaged seams in metal bases. Then examine the rubber boot that surrounds the pipe. That can rot or tear, allowing water to enter the house along the pipe. With any of these problems, you need to buy a new vent boot to replace the old one.
2)Shiners
If you can’t see any telltale flow marks and the ceiling stain is fairly small, look at the underside of the roof for “shiners.” These are nails that missed the framing member.
Moisture that escapes into the cold attic from rooms below often condenses on cold nails. You can sometimes spot this if you go up to your attic on a cold night. The nails will look white because they are frosted.
3)Damaged roof tiles
A cracked tile is both ugly and a leak waiting to happen. But as long as you can find matching shingles (and you’re not afraid of heights), the repair is easy.
4)Dirty and clogged ceilings
Attic ventilation is critical to the health of your home. It starts with soffit vents that draw in outside air, necessary to create airflow that moves hot air from the attic to the roof vents. Once air enters the soffit, it usually passes through an air duct or some other opening along the underside of the roof into the attic.
5)Rusty gutters
Gutter leaks usually start at rusty spots or seams that have opened due to expansion and contraction. If your gutter is still basically in good shape, the easiest way to stop the leak is to cover the damaged area with roof and gutter repair tape (available at home and hardware stores).
First remove the rust with a wire brush and scrape off the tar with a putty knife. Everything will be done for you effortlessly if you avail yourself of roofing service by 12 Roofing.
6)Roof ventilation problems
Check for cracked casings on plastic roof vents and broken seams on metal ones. You might be tempted to throw putty at the problem, but that solution won’t last long. There is really no other solution than to replace damaged air vents. Also, look for ripped or missing nails on the bottom edge of the base.
Replace them with rubber washer screws. In most cases, you can remove the nails under the shingles on both sides of the vent to remove it. At the top of the vent, there will be nails as well.
7)Loose Step Flashing
Along walls that intersect the roof, step flashing is utilized. Each short section of the intermittent channel’s waters above the shingle downhill from it.
But if the flashing rusts or a piece comes loose, the water will run right behind it and into the house.
8)Holes drilled on purpose
Small holes in shingles are deceptive because they can cause rot and other damage for years before you notice obvious signs of a leak. You may find holes left from antenna mounting brackets or satellite dishes or just about anything.
9)Missing Gutter Apron
When water flows over the edge of your roof, some of it sticks to the underside of the shingles and drips onto the fascia. If you have gutters but don’t have a gutter guard to stop the water, it will pool behind the gutter. Eventually, the fascia, soffits, and even the roof sheathing will rot.
The following are the signs to look out for, especially in the case of flat roofs:
10)Wet spots on the ceiling
One of the most alarming signs is damp spots on the ceiling. If you notice damp patches on the ceiling, no matter how small, don’t take them lightly. It is a clear sign that the roof damage is extensive and you should call a professional roofer to have it fixed immediately.
Wet spots form on the ceiling when water from rain, melting snow, or water from simple washing of the roof finds its way to your roof.
If you don’t do something about it soon, your roof may need to be replaced, which means a lot more expense!
11)Bubbles on the walls inside your home
If you see bubbles on the walls of your home, you should contact a professional roofer right away. While there are many possibilities as to why bubbles form in the wall, a leak originating from the ceiling is one of the most common.
Only a professional roofer can inspect and say for sure why there are bubbles in your walls.
12)Mold
Do you see mold growing in your attic? Mold grows where it gets a lot of moisture. And the only way there could be moisture in your attic is a leaky roof.
If there is even the smallest roof leak, it can lead to mold growth in your attic. Mold can grow even if the roof doesn’t leak; there could be structural damage to the roof that is causing water to pool on the roof.
13) Roof dripping water
It cannot be more obvious. If water is leaking from the roof, it is an absolutely clear sign that your roof has been damaged too much and there is no more time to delay your flat roof repair.
14)Puddles of water on the roof
The flat roof may look flat, but there is always a slight slope to allow water to drain through the gutters.
However, if you see puddles of water on your flat roof, it is a sign that there is something wrong with your flat roof and you need to call a professional roofer to have it inspected.
If you see any of the signs listed above, know that roof repair needs to be done right away. Make sure you hire the best roofing company to do the all too critical job.
Don’t let these signs of roof leaks destroy your home. Instead, ask for help and fix your damaged roof! The sooner you make the repairs, the less expensive the damage will be.
Do you want a professional from 12 Roofing to take a look at it? If so, contact us.
