After a really good winter storm blows through, some roofing problems are pretty apparent. Broken or missing shingles or even a tree branch that has broken off and caused some damage. Other easy issues to spot include an abundance of moss and an asphalt shingle roof that has lost granules.
Sometimes, even if you pay attention, you may not see the harmful effects of a slow leak. Cleaning moss off and removing all debris that holds water in place is an easy way to keep the roof in top shape. Unfortunately, some issues aren’t visible until it’s too late.
Interior Water Damage
Seen in many older homes or office buildings, darker spots forming on the ceiling or ceiling tiles mean there is a water leak somewhere above. They almost look like coffee mug stains except for their size and irregular shape. This could be from an upstairs plumbing leak or an issue with the roof.
Make sure to investigate the attic to approximate where the leak is coming from. Often rainwater will find a way in and follow a truss before finally pooling in a specific area. This means the leak may not be right above the stain. Hire a professional roofing contractor to investigate.
Mold or Mildew on Interior Walls
Although a broken pipe could be the cause, mold, and mildew first grow on the inside of walls as water drips from the attic. Much like those water spots on the ceiling, once you see mold on the inside of the house, you’ll have bigger problems. Not only is it destructive to the house, but it’s also a health hazard.
This is a common occurrence when ice dams are present. When gutters are full or frozen over, any water that’s present will pool on the top. As it freezes, it pushes back up under the shingle. After a few thaw-freeze cycles, shingles can be pushed up enough for the water to enter the home.
When doing a visual roof inspection of the home, do you notice shingles near the gutters separating or curling up? It’s a good idea to clean those gutters out if you can to keep as much water away from those roofing shingles as possible.
Sagging Roofs
Although it’s hard to tell on flat roofs, it’s pretty apparent when roofs start to sag or “roll” on peaked roofs. When this happens, that means the roofing system (decking/underlayment/roofing) has been poorly installed or the weight has grown too heavy for the roof structure to handle.
This usually happens when there are unexpectedly high volumes of snow or ice on the roof. Most homes must abide by strict codes and regulations to handle the weight of normal amounts of precipitation. Sagging roofs can also happen if the home has been reroofed instead of tearing off and reinstalling a new roof.
Reroofing is the practice of adding another layer of roofing on top of existing roofs. When this happens, the home may not be rated to handle that additional weight. Before performing a re-roof, make sure to consult with a professional roof repair company.
Dark Streaks
If roof maintenance hasn’t been consistent, you may start seeing black streaks on the roof of your home. This is actually a form of blue-green airborne algae that accumulates on shingles, feeding on the limestone granules. The algae have a hardened outer layer that traps water and prematurely ages the shingles.
To prevent these algae from forming, attached zinc or copper strips along the top row of shingles. As rain falls, it releases a compound that will keep the algae from growing. However, it will not erase the existing algae. Professional cleaning or shingle repair or replacement is required to get rid of it.
Work with an Experienced Crew
Having any of the above issues? Is your roof past its lifespan of 20 years? Or are you considering a roof replacement as part of a home improvement project? No matter the reason, contact Warner Roofing and Construction for an estimate.
Our roofing materials have lifespans of more than 30 years and many of our materials have warranties that last 40, and 50 years. We have been working in Clark County since 1992 and we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. If you need a new roof installed, make sure to call us first.
