As a homeowner, you should know that the roof carries a huge portion of the investment. Apart from determining the overall value of your home, the roof goes a long way in ensuring your safety as well as defining the aesthetic appeal of your property. This is why roof damages should be prevented through regular maintenance and as well as prompt repairs. This extends the lifespan of your roof while saving you from unplanned costs in repair and replacement.
Well, the main challenge with roof damages is that some of them may not be all that obvious at first. When they go unnoticed, even the most minor issues can escalate into utter damages enough to cause flooding, water damage, and foundation damage. Situations where the roof caves in are also not unheard of. To avoid such frustrations, the best you can do is inspect your roof regularly and be keen enough to notice the common signs of roof damage.
With that said, here are some tips on how to identify (and fix) roof damages as soon as you spot them.
1. Work with a roofing professional
The best way to spare yourself the frustration that comes with roofing trouble is to work with a professional roofer. Even if your roof is in tip-top shape, a regular professional inspection comes in handy. Using their expertise, specialized equipment, and experience, a professional roofer can spot roof damage from a mile away. This is especially if you live in a place like California where harsh weather is a common cause of roof damage and issues such as leaks. Especially before and after harsh weather, the Orange County roofing guys recommend working with a professional for all your roof repair and maintenance needs. They can help you detect any signs of damage and have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid more serious issues.
2. Roof leaks in the rainy or snowy season
Leaks are nothing new to homeowners when it comes to roofing problems. They are definitely one of the most common signs of roof damage one can experience. Leaks can cause a great deal of damage to your roof. You might be lucky if you have roof damage insurance and the leaks are caused by a storm because they may eventually spread to other parts of your property. For instance, moisture leaks can sip in through your roof into your attic and even reach the ceiling. As this happens, the scope of the damage extends, meaning higher repair costs if neglected. Some signs of roof leaks may include the following:
The best way to fix roof leaks permanently is to call a roofing expert.
3. Sagging roof
If your roof appears sagged from an exterior view, it could be an obvious sign of damage. The same case applies to a sagging ceiling. It could actually be a sign of water damage, where the ceiling or the wood supports of your roof have absorbed water several times until they began to warp. Again, this should signal the immediate attention of an experienced roofer.
4. Exterior light penetrating your home
We all love letting some natural light into our homes. However, it should penetrate your home through the right points of entry. If you see some rays of sunlight getting into your home interior space or attic through the roof, you are probably looking at a sign of roof damage. Some shingles could be missing or some cracks might have developed out up there. It could be time to have a professional roof take a look at your roof to see what’s wrong.
5. Visible signs of damage
Many signs of roof damage do not need a microscope or telescope to identify. Some are so obvious, perhaps enough to be spotted from a mile away. Some visible roof damage signs to look out for may include the following:
It is also worth noting that some of these issues are common in roofs that have seen better days. Therefore, especially if your roof has lasted more than twenty years, you might want to have it checked by a pro to see if repairs are worth it or replacement could be a better idea.
Roof problems can be among the worst nightmares for any homeowner. No one wants to have to place a bucket in the living room to trap water from the rain. Since many of the mentioned roof damages can be quite costly to repair when left unattended, one thing is for sure. Prevention is better than cure! The above are just a few tips you could use to detect various roof damages and have them fixed as soon as you can.
