A leaking roof is one of those problems that are rarely detected until they have had a chance to do serious damage.
Most major roof leaks often begin as minor issues that could have been detected with regular inspections and repaired cheaply. But because the roof is mostly out of the homeowner’s sight, it often goes out of mind too.
That is until the neglected roof begins to create damage to more visible parts of the building. Regular roof maintenance will not only prolong the life of your roof, explains Rent Smart USA, but it will also protect everything below that roof.
Here are the tips you can follow to prevent needless expense on roof damage and leaks:
Detecting weak spots on a roof before they become leaks is the best way to fix roof damage. Waiting until a leak occurs can be disastrous; roof leaks are notoriously difficult to detect.
The water damage from a leak does not always cluster around the source of the leak.
That’s because water travels and the signs of the leaks can occur far away from the actual leak. And usually, it takes an experienced person to trace its path and pinpoint the source of the leak.
But this trouble can be avoided if the roof is inspected regularly.
Do not overlook ponding surfaces
If water pools on parts of a roof’s surface when it rains, it could be a sign of an impending leak. This problem is known as ponding and it predisposes the roof to rot.
Ponding is more likely to happen on a flat or low-sloped roof than on a roof with a steep pitch. If you notice this problem, contact a professional.
Repair damaged tiles or shingles promptly
If shingles are shedding excess debris, that could mean trouble. Asphalt shingles normally shed granules, but when you start to see a buildup of granules in gutters and downspouts, the roof should be inspected.
This is often a sign that the roof is losing its functionality. Also, cracked, bent, and discolored shingles should be repaired or replaced immediately.
Broken Tiles from pressure cleaning and wind damage can expose underlayment and should be fixed quickly.
Inspect the attic regularly
Roof damage sometimes originates from inside a home. If parts of the attic ventilation system are blocked or shut, it can lead to a dangerous build-up of heat and moisture.
As a result, the insulation becomes soaked, the sheathing and rafters start to rot, and the roof begins to cave in.
Another way attic ventilation leads to roof damage is through the growth of mold and algae.
A poorly ventilated attic creates conditions conducive to algae and mold growth. Regular inspection of the attic and its ventilation systems prevents this problem.
