Our roof is one of the most important structures in our home. It’s responsible for protecting your home, family, and belongings from the elements. However, the integrity and function of the roof can weaken over time. Being subjected to the elements of the sun, storms, and wind can take their toll. However, if you understand the roof and the roofing structure, you can combat the wear and tear of the elements when you know what to look for. It’s important to know what to look for and what to do when you see an issue with your roof. Let’s take a look at some of the common issues we see in roofs and ways you could address them.
Leaking Roofs
Leaks are a common roofing problem that can be caused by a number of different things, including worn shingles or flashing backed-up gutters, or poor installation. Locating the leak’s origin is a necessary first step in fixing the issue.
Solution: It’s important to check the condition of your roof on a regular basis. Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights should be sealed, and missing or broken shingles should be replaced as soon as possible. Water can back up and cause leaks if gutters aren’t kept clean and maintained. Be sure to check out the area where the leak has formed to determine the cause.
Remember, not all leaks are obvious. While there are some things that the untrained eye can spot, if you should have an issue finding the leak, you should always reach out to an expert such as Gordy Roofing. We work with our clients to trace the water back to the source. Water will take the path of least resistance, and while the leak may appear in one area, the source may be someone entirely different.
Ponding Water
When water sits for an extended period of time on a roof’s surface, it’s called ponding, and it can cause structural damage, water penetration, and the growth of algae and mildew.
Solution: Ensure adequate drainage systems are installed on your roof to prevent water from pooling. Consider hiring a roofing contractor to assess the slope of your roof. Ponding is a sign that there may be a structural issue or the roof doesn’t have a proper slope, causing water to pool.
Roof Ventilation Problems
When there are ventilation problems, you might notice that the roof is starting to buckle from being overheated. Or that your home’s insulation factor is quite low. When a roof doesn’t vent properly, heat can get trapped, causing all sorts of issues.
Solution: Make sure that dirt and insulation are not blocking your attic’s vents on a regular basis. Ridge vents and soffit vents can be installed to improve ventilation and cut down on condensation buildup in your attic. If you have a ventilation problem, you should contact the experts at Gordy’s Roofing for a fast solution.
Shingles that are cracked or curling
Age, weather, and low-quality materials can all contribute to shingles cracking and curling. When shingles are broken or missing, the roof can no longer protect your property from the elements.
Solution: Look for curled or cracked shingles and replace them right away. The roof can last longer and have fewer issues if high-quality shingles are used during installation.
Tree Damage
Storms can cause shingle damage and possible leaks if overhanging tree branches brush against the roof.
Solution: Overhanging branches should be trimmed down to prevent leaks. Keep your trees trimmed on a regular basis to reduce the chance of injury from falling limbs in the event of a storm.
Flashing Problems
Failure at the flashing areas is a very common issue. Water damage to a roof can be caused by deteriorating flashing designed to fill gaps around chimneys, skylights, and vents.
Solution: Flashing should be inspected frequently, and any worn or damaged pieces should be replaced right away. Ensure the flashing is installed correctly using high-quality materials and a professional.
Call Gordy Roofing Today!
If you have seen issues in your roof and have questions or would like a free inspection, call us at (903) 698-7688 today! We would be happy to take a look and provide you with a possible solution for your roofing problem.
