Do You Have a Leaky Roof?
A leaky roof can cause extensive damage to your building and valuables. Besides, the leaks will ruin the integrity of your property and can significantly lower your house’s value if you decide to sell it.
The good news is that you can detect leaky roofs before they cause too much damage. Here are some of the signs to look out for.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
If you notice any bald spots on your roof, they could signify that you have a shingles problem. If some shingles have cracks or are missing, water can seep through the space and leak into your home.A range of aspects may result in missing or damaged shingles.
Aging Roof
Even the best-quality shingles are prone to wear and tear as they age. Therefore, if decades have gone since your roof installation or replacement, you shouldn’t be surprised if some singles have cracks or are missing. That’s a sign of trouble, and you should consider an immediate roof replacement.Poor Installation
Perhaps your roofing contractor didn’t do an excellent job with shingles installation. The shingles may start to come off a few weeks or months after installation, which necessitates a redo.Weather Damage
Based on the age and condition of your shingles, the roofing component may not survive severe weather conditions such as high winds, hail, or rainfall. The harsh elements may cause the shingles to lose their efficiency, which leaves room for water to leak into your home.Tree Branch Damage
Roof damage after strong winds is common, especially for properties near trees with hanging branches. The wind may cause tree limbs and debris to fall on your roof. Consequently, the pressure from these elements may damage the shingles and cause leaks.Contact an expert roofing contractor as soon as you suspect to have damaged shingles. The specialist will inspect your roof to establish if you need a roof repair or replacement.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold growth on your ceiling and walls is an obvious sign of a leaky roof. Mold tends to grow in trapped areas where water cannot escape, so if you don’t rectify the leaks soon, mold can quickly spread to other areas of your property and necessitate an expensive makeover.Besides the damage to your house, mold threatens your household’s health. Therefore, you should watch out for early signs of mold as follows.
Shingle Discoloration
Dark streaks on your shingles may be a sign of mold growth. The mold spores manifest as black or brown spots, which start to eat the shingles away and cause deterioration. If you don’t contact a roofing professional to inspect the roof immediately, you may soon need to replace the entire roof.Musty Odors
Mold causes a damp smell, which gets stronger by day. So, with time, you may notice the smell of rotten eggs that may make your house uninhabitable.Saggy Roof
The roof begins to sag or droop as the shingles deteriorate due to the mold effect. Excess moisture and mold ruin the roof’s structure and may cause the roof to collapse unexpectedly.Mold growth may seem like a minor issue initially but can cause unthinkable damage. Note that mold may result from:
- Poor ventilation
- Excess humidity
Now that you understand the possible signs of roof leaks, you are in a better position to spot the problem and take the necessary actions before the leaks escalate. You can trust us at Ray’s Harford Home Improvement Contractors, Inc., for a comprehensive inspection to identify the exact roof problem and recommend the best solution.
